April 2001 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

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No. 227

April 2001

Circulation 22.000

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Jazzing around

Celebrating 21 years of the Prospect Hospice

Swindon's second festival of Jazz: 26 - 29 April. See page 29.

JM1Lp1

The Wiltshire Festival More details of August's musical extravaganza on page 23.

Terry and Teresa Davies moved into their

new home on 14 March 1976 and West Swindon's first baby, Janice, was born a month later

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— Meet

grandparents Terry and Teresa with Janice and her 6ne year old, Amy, as we celebrate a quarter of a century of Swindon's expansion in the west on page 5

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Details of May's Swindon Festival of Literature - pages 37 - 39 Better than ever, says festival director Matt Holland, above.

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The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ April 2001

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It's great being a Gran seventeen times over Super grandparents Sheila and John Povey from the Lawns in Old Town are sanguine about their status as grandparents to Swindon's largest family and were delighted, though not surpised, by the arrival of Emily, their seventeenth grandchild, on 11 January.

Their son Ian and daughter-in- for one year to Caitlin whose law Sue from Grange Park an- mother Rebecca, 20, is Ian and Sue's Do you want: y ' nounced Emily's arrival in the Feb- eldest. ruary Link, resulting in a mad meThey help out whenever asked, * Longer nails * Stronger nails dia scramble for their story. which is not that often. "Sue is a * Nail polish that doesn't chip John, 76, and Sheila, 73, have wonderfully organised person," * Help to stop nail biting become used to the proliferation said Sheila. "We used to baby sit, of Poveys over the last twenty but the children were always in Tel: 01793 634084 years. Their first son Robert who bed when we arrived and we didn't Home visits by arrangement L rofessional Nail Technician - 5 years experienc lives in Northamptonshire, has often hear from them. Nowadays Member of the Association of Nail Technicians three sons. On 1 April, they will the older ones look after the youngalso have been great grandparents sters and we usually see the family for birthday teas at our house, once or twice a month. John is still the Michael Tuck Properties Limited Trading a only one with a February birthday, so they all come for his."

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Preparation for get-togethers is a major catering operation involving a big shop, followed by a whole morning baking and buttering. Sheila knows how to organise large groups of children. She taught at Rodbourne Cheney infants school for twenty years and now runs impromptu cooking classes for grandchildren, who often visit in small groups to play or watch a video before staying overnight. John is laid back by the big brood. "I'm always impressed by how everybody gets on so well; there are no arguments, disagreements

when the children kept arriving. "Our main concern was for Ian and Sue when the children were young," said Sheila. "If anything happened to them we would have had to become parents again, and I' m not very good with babies. But with the older children becoming adults, we would work something out."

The same applies to future arrivals; Sue has declared at 42, she would be happy with a few more. "We've got through the worries now. If Sue has more, we'll cope as a happy family," said Sheila.

The Link Magazine • April 2001

Swindon Council shake-up could lead to directly elected mayor Swindon Council is about to embark on a consultation exercise which could lead to significant changes in the way the council is managed. The review could result in the election of a London-style mayor or an American-style city manager, and Haydon Wick residents will be the first in the town to view a video setting out the options for change at the parish meeting on 3 April, 8pm, at the parish council offices in Thames Avenue.

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The review is required by the Local Government Act 2000. The consultation process this spring will involve community groups, focus groups, local organisations and all Swindon residents. A leaflet and questionnaire will be delivered to every household within the next few weeks. The options to be considered are: A: A mayor with a cabinet. The mayor, who will have considerable political power, unlike the current 'ceremonial figurehead', would be elected in a separate election from the 59 councillors. He or she might then ask a number of elected councillors to form a cabinet or executive. B: A leader with a cabinet. This arrangement is similar to that cur-

Former Swindon lad to make Jackson video Ex-Greendown School student and martial arts expert Matt Fiddes is to direct pop phenomenon Michael Jackson in a video which will 'help parents to be able to communicate effectively with their children to help them become successful and wellrounded adults.' Matt, who runs a successful black belt academy in Barnstaple, was introduced to Jackson via mutual friend Uri Geller. The video project, for Michael's newly founded 'Heal the Kids' charity, was hatched in New York in February and filming should start at the end of the year. Matt spent a lot of time with Michael in early March, including a visit to the Oxford Union, and also at Uri Geller's wedding where the pop star was best man. "I am very honoured to be helping Michael in his campaign," said Matt. "He is one of the nicest men in the world and so very misunderstood. Hopefully we will be able to make a difference somewhere."

rently being piloted at the civic offices, with elected councillors selecting a leader and a small group selected from amongst their number to form a cabinet. C: Mayor with council manager. As option A, the mayor would be directly elected. The Council and the mayor would appoint a council manager who, with the mayor, would be responsible for the main day-to-day decisions without reference to the councillors. The consultation exercise will be very influential and cannot be ignored by the council. The Local Government Act stipulates that the outcome of the process must be referred to John Prescott (or his successor as Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions). If the people of Swindon favour a directly elected mayor, a referendum on the issue may follow. The new decision-making process, when determined, must be in place by the end of next year.

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

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Celebrating a quarter of a century in West Swindon With Swindon looking forward to the next 30 years, we look back on the last twenty-five, to the month when the first family arrived and the first baby was born. Terry and Teresa Davies were expecting their first child in March 1976 and also expecting to move from a flat in Penhill to a house in Park South. But the exchange arrangement fell apart a few days before and in a panic they visited Thamesdown Council's housing department. "We were told we could have a brand new house at Markenfield in Toothill; we looked at each other and said 'where?'," said Terry. "We knew there was building going on next to the old Wootton Bassett COOPERS CHEMIST WEST SWINDON CENTRE Fine fragrances, toiletries, ear piercing etc. APS, developing & printing One free 35mm 24 exp film with every 35mm roll developed on the premises

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road, but not a lot and Kate, 14. more. One other couple from "The council officer 1976 still live in the first said go out and have a block of houses and West look at the first houses Swindon is now complete which were almost with about 11,000 homes ready, we could take occupied. our pick. We've been Looking back, both here ever since." Teresa and Janice agree Baby Janice decided that there is less for famito allow her parents to lies. "West Swindon was a move in before arrivvery friendly place to bring Teresa, Terry and Janice with Amy, centre, with from left, ing four weeks late on up children, there were Kate, Michael, Christine and Mark Pitts, Janice's partner 16 April. She will soon play areas everywhere you be twenty five years old and is the across the fields to Lydiard Park." turned," said Teresa. "But the counproud mother of Amy who had a The original residents were cil have taken them all away." first birthday in February. dubbed as the 'pioneers of the west"Toothill is not looked after like "The conditions in those early ern expansion' by the Evening Ad- it used to be," said Janice. "There's days were a bit rough," said Teresa. vertiser and with help from church so much litter and also graffiti got "There was building work going worker Olive King and council quite bad, but the village centre on all round the house for months neighbourhood worker Bob May, has been cleaned up. It's a pity and there were cows grazing in the community activities soon started there is less care for the area." next field. We did not have a proper in one of the new houses, and later But without doubt the family road for quite a long time. in half of the hut. would not move away for anyTewkesbury Way was being built For two years, the first school- thing. "We've looked at moving and we had to drive along a muddy aged children had to be bussed to within West Swindon," said Terry. track off the old A420 next to Park South. Janice attended "But, apart from the kids not wantMannington House. Toothill School, which opened in ing to go, the houses just have not "Other people moved in quite September 1998, and was taught matched what we have here." quickly and a little van came round by present headteacher Richard to sell groceries, then a builders Jackson. She was in the second in- What are your memories? hut was opened as a shop. We take at Greendown in September What can you remember of the bought fresh eggs from the cottage 1988, to be followed by Christine, early days? Did you know West along Freshbrook Way and walked now 23, and Michael, 18 in April, Swindon before the housing expansion started? Do you have any photographs which show how

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Editorial copy date for May: 11 April Published: 28 April Copy for June: 11 May

Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 "The Link was first published for the West li nkmagazine@compuserve.com Swindon community in December 1978. It is completely independent of Link centre www.swindonlink.com and, in fact, won a competition to name the Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994." Editorial: Tel: (01793) 872282 The contents of The Link are protected TO BOOK ADVERTISING: by copyright. Use of advertisements in Call Jenni Fowler on printed or electronic form is forbidden (01793)872531 unless an advertiser or publisher has Booking deadline: 6 April sought permission. Articles and photoPrinted by Goodhead Print graphs require similar authority

The Link Magazine • April 2001

corn

Grateful thanks from a bereaved family

Kim Embra Telephone: 01793 851036

From Sandra and Raymond Shirley On behalf of our family there are many people we are grateful to for their help and support after our •; son Shaun was fatally knocked down. It is impossible to thank each and every one of you indi-_ vidually. j When the accident occurred on ' 17 January we were told passersby stopped to give support and C'^ first aid to Shaun. Unfortunately we were never given their names or addresses. We would like to thank them for their efforts in trying to save our son's life. We are also grateful to the firefighters and police officers who attended and Sandra and Raymond holding Shaun's the ambulance service, picture and some of the many letters Thank you to all the staff at PMH and cards received after his tragic death for your efforts and support on the tended for only a short time. It was night of 17 January. We were amazed and touched nice to know that he had made so by the beautiful flowers and mes- many friends. A big thank you to our neighsages left by the roadside, which we brought home and placed in bours Andy and Sue Hobbs for water outside our house for three their on-going support and help weeks. We received many cards, with our children. Shaun's friend some from people we do not know. Ben Hartley and his family have We would like to thank you all - been very supportive in every way, we were comforted from knowing we thank them for this, and also Ashley Clifford for the gift he put that so many people cared. The support from Shaun's teach- in Shaun's coffin. The funeral was the hardest day ers and friends at Greendown Community School has been un- of our lives. Thank you to the Cobelievable, considering he at- operative Funeral Service for the help we needed and for guiding us through such a difficult time. A 102 victoria road thank you also to the Market Floin the Outlet Centre for the old town rist t most beautiful flowers and kind Swindon words following. wilts We are very grateful to Revd k SN 1380 Mark Roper, minister at Toothill Church, for his kindness beforetel/fax: hand and his beautiful service at [01793) 43 57 57 Kingsdown Crematorium on 15 February which was a heartfelt creative tribute to our son Shaun. We are sure Shaun would have been as inspiration for overwhelmed as we were, and also by the number of people who came your home to say goodbye. As many of you know, Sandra is w b c expecting a baby in the next few u a weeks, and we would just like to say thanks to Binny, her midwife, r I for the extra care over the past few n t weeks. To all Thank You. d a p t And to our son, Shaun, thank o you for thirteen years. God bless, i s a we love you and miss you. n y

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The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ April 2001

Smoking still on the menu

Kings Court Care Home

Sainsbury's has described the restaurant in their Bridgemead store as being smoke free even though they permit smoking.

is a new purpose ^ ^J ^,,,,, built, 60 bed P/ nursing home in Old Town, Swindon (on main bus routes). Beautifully furnished and equipped, the home offers excellent care for the physically disabled/infirm from the age of 50 years and EMI residents. Respite and convalescent care is also offered.

The cuisine is first class, freshly prepared and cooked daily on the premises, and special dietary requirements are catered for. Also available: In-house hairdresser and activity organiser, visiting dentist, optician and chiropodist; landscaped gardens.

For a brochure, or appointment to view, telephone Helen Marshall (Manager) Tel: (01793) 715480

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Following an article in the February Link several readers drew our attention to the promotional leaflet published by Sainsbury's in November promoting the refurbished and expanded store which refers to the restaurant as a 'smoke free environment. One, a childminder, refuses to take the children in her care there, as she is concerned about the effects of passive smoking. Store manager Robin Ireland said, "the leaflets were distributed in error. Our smoking policy is decided by regional management and it is under constant review. If at a point in the future the balance swings in favour of non-smoking we will change. I get responses from customers directly in the store and I am getting a balanced response from smokers and nonsmokers." The Bridgemead store is one of the few in town that still permits smoking under its roof, despite the proportion of people who smoke declining to 27% of the

"we constantly monitor customer feedback through comment cards. Since going smoke free a year ago we haven't lost any business, even in the restaurant. If anything customer numbers have increased. The whole place seems fresher and cleaner to shop and work in." Deaths due to smoking related illnesses are particularly high in Swindon. Steve Hams of the Swindon Primary Care Group said, "a recent Sainsbury's Bridgemead, healthy report on health in the South West food and customer care Region reveals the highest proporfor cigarette smokers tion of death from smoking to ocpopulation and medical opinion cur in Swindon Borough at 19.2% that passive smoking accounts for compared to a South West Regional 300 deaths a year in the UK. average of 16.3%." Other Swindon stores which The PCG has established spehave supported initiatives to stop cialist Smoking Cessation Services smoking and have been awarded across Swindon as part of a camthe Wiltshire Smoke Free Award paign to reduce the number of include Asda, Debenhams and deaths from smoking. Woolworths. None of the stores Comments about the Sainsreport any fall off in business as a bury's Bridgemead smoking policy result of going smoke free. can be made'at the store, or call the Cathy Smith, deputy customer Customer Services Department services manager at Asda, said, free on 0800 636262.

Census 2001

Ready to skip for heart health

Census day-29 April-is approaching and from 9 April onwards enumerators will be out delivering forms to every household. They will be easy to identify with their distinctive yellow bags, bearing the logo 'Count Me In'. The enumerator will call at every home, show their authority card and ask a few questions to confirm the address, establish who usually lives there, whether there are any separate households, and whose name should go on the front of the form. The census return, plus additional ones if more than five persons are resident, will be left for the householder to complete and send back by post. Any individual aged over 16 who wishes to reply independently can apply for a special separate form. The return should take about 30 minutes to complete, it only comes once every 10 years and everyone is filling one in. Those failing to make a census return are liable to a fine; but that is a last resort, the emphasis is placed on co-operation. The helpline is 08450312001.

Preparations are well underway at Freshbrook School for a 24 hour sponsored skip being held on 6 April in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Flowery talk Tootleabrook WI next meets at Toothill Community Centre on Wednesday 18 April, 7.30 pm when Mrs Mim Morris will talk about 'A Handful of Flowers.' All ladies welcome. For details call Jean Brock on 539456.

Youngsters at Freshbrook ready for their marathon skip

All the children at the school will be taking part and some of them have learned to skip spe-

tributor to this figure. The British Heart Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It plays a leading role in the fight against heart disease by funding research and educating the public and health professionals. As well as seeking sponsorship from families and friends the school is looking for support from local companies.

cially for the event. The cause has particular significance for the school's PE co-ordinator Nicola Anderton. "My father died of a heart attack, so it's my special charity," she said. Statistics published in January show that people in Swindon are forty per cent more likely to die of Call Freshbrook School on heart disease compared to similar 872800 to offer financial backing towns. Smoking is a major con- for the big fundraising effort.

NHS success serving the people It's just a year since a brand new health service was launched in the town, and Swindon residents have quickly taken it to their hearts. Since 1 April 2000 the Swindon NHS Walk-In Centre at the Carfax Street Health Centre has become the third busiest in Britain. Launched by the Government with 31 other schemes across the country, the Walk-In Centre offers health care advice, information and treatment at times which are convenient to users. It's open fifteen hours a day, seven days a week at Carfax Street Health Centre in the town centre. You do not need an appointment, nor do you need to be referred by a GP. Although 2,050 people

minor injuries and illness. We also offer a blood taking and dressing service for those patients

commissioned by the Swindon Primary Care Group to provide 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring service for the local doctors. Walk-In Centre staff work closely with Druglink to operate a needle exchange scheme. In conjunction with the Swindon Health Promotion Unit an evening stop smoking session is available.

To cope with demand, the centre was allocated extra money in the Autumn so that another room could be brought into use. During the year, of the 18,000 made use of the service in patients who have visited the Walk-In January, the peak number so Julia Drown MP congratulating Walk-In Centre manager Bob Sanderson Centre, less than a quarter have been far, many in the town have yet and senior nurse Tony Lewis on a successful first year referred on to A&E, a GP or the afterto discover it, says Walk-In hours doctor's service. who find difficulty in accessing their own surCentre manager Bob Sanderson. "Although the Julia Drown, MP for South Swindon, said she gery. We have been working with the child health Swindon centre is now one of the most successwas very impressed by how quickly the new department by providing a meningitis C vacciful in the country, we still have a lot to do to service has had been taken up by some townsnation service for those children who have promote ourselves. Many people are surprised people. "People have been telling me that they by what we offer when they find us." missed the school programme. are pleased by the way they are treated at the "We also issue emergency contraception and The Walk-In Centre is staffed by seven highly Walk-In Centre; I'm absolutely delighted to hear experienced nurses, with Bob Sanderson as the are now able to issue certain antibiotics under from Bob and Tony that it is meeting the needs manager. He gives several reasons for the upPatient Group Directions. Sometimes A&E staff suggest patients come to us at busy times, to deal of Swindon residents. take of the service. "We've built close working "It's excellent that the Labour Government with cuts, twisted ankles or minor infections." relationships with the Accident an d Emergency recognised the work load of the centre and was "Our surveys of user satisfaction have highUnit at PMH an d also general practitioners across able to allocate more funds to allow it to expand. lighted the professionalism and attitude of the the town. As a result the range of treatments we "The success of this Government's initiative staff; the convenient time and the choice it gives can offer is quite wide. proves there is a need to provide easy access to patients is also appreciated. "The staff are able to deal with various probhealth care at times the patient needs it." lems including the assessment and treatment of He added that the Walk-In Centre has also been

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

"We need traffic calming now. We can't wait," say Westlea parents Parents of children attending Westlea School are up in arms at the continued dangers to pedestrians from drivers using Langstone Way after two children were nearly run over in early March. They don't want another fatality in Westlea and are demanding Swindon Council does something positive immediately. may have to raise the money and Westlea parent governor Dawn pay for traffic calming ourselves." Dolphin said everybody in the area She added that the parents will is more conscious than ever of the also be campaigning for a safe heavy traffic and speeding cars, crossing at Corton Crescent, befollowing the tragic death of teenhind the West Swindon Centre, ager Shaun Shirley at nearby where Shaun was knocked down. Corton Crescent in January. A stream of children have to cross There are constant near misses it every Thursday, walking to and and the last straw came when seven from the Link Centre for swimyear old Richard Cook was nearly ming lessons. knocked down on 7 March. Toothill councillor David Cox, "Stories in The Link which publion viewing the early morning cised police threats to prosecute heavy traffic for years. The council • school warning signs A petition is being raised and a scene, agreed that it was 'chaos.' parents who parked on the wrong put down some white lines at the side of Langstone Way have been pedestrian crossing five years ago, parents' action group has been "The parents are doing their bit by parking on only one side of the effective," said Dawn. "But it's the but we are demanding more - formed. "We are sick of being fobbed off road. The council must get its act drivers who speed down now." by council officers saying there together to improved pedestrian Langstone Way to get from The parents want: Whitehill Way to Delta Business • a narrowing of Langstone Way aren't enough fatalities," said safety. I know officers are looking Park and Great Western Way, just with speed humps on both sides of Dawn. "We want action before a at narrowing the road and installdeath, because it will happen one ing warning signs." when we're all walking to school, Westlea School who have to be slowed or diverted. • a 20mph speed restriction out- day without traffic restrictions. "If the council won't do it, we "We've complained about the side the school

Maths challenge raises ton of cash

Black at

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Westlea School turned fund raising and numbers work into a fun event on 2 March and raised £1,078.80 New local school for new books and equipment during the Year of Maths. and asking our relations to make Children were asked to collect recently opened donations; it's great that we raised silver coins which would be laid Discounts available the most." out end to end across the playThe second placed classes were ground. But to give the project an Tiff vouchers available also awarded prizes. "We all had a educational twist headteacher for birthdays etc lot of fun with a good educational Suzanne Seaton challenged each Barry Hunter 700131 purpose," said Mrs Seaton class to work out which coins proveo,Driving Instructor School secretary Yvonne Adams would weigh the most, make the viewed the pile of silver coins with longest line and of course raise the dismay. "I'll have to bring in a most amount of money. The prize 50% OFF 7 FIRST LESSON wheelbarrow to get it to the bank," offered was a doubling of the total she said. raised in each category to be spent on Maths learning materials. Mr Hallawell's year 6 class won NO NEED TO LIVE WITH HARD WATER all three categories with £140.25, CONTACT: covering 38 metres and weighing 8.12 kilos. Rivers of silver, from left Roseanne Rivers, Robert Jones, Pupil Joanne Herridge said, q` (frQ Joanne Herridge, James Baker "we've been saving pocket money Kinetico Block Salt Water Softeners guarantee soft water 24 hours a day. Only 19" high, non-electric. meter controlled\, Rent, lease, purchase. DIY sales & service. Salt delivered. News challenge demands tight deadlines Pupils in Mrs Sturman's year 6 class took part in the Times Educa- 260 Ferndale Road. Swindon. Tel: 527172 tional Supplement Newsday project on Wednesday 14 March to

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The youngsters had to write stories on school, community and foreign news, a feature on a topic of importance and entertainment and sport reports. Then they had to layout the pages using a desktop publishing programme betore submitting their entry to the TES. The Link e-mailed this photo to the team forinclusion in the publication. The Westlea newshounds search out the latest with Mandy Sturman

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

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Shaw residents homeless

Dr Dileep Godbole

Shaw Residents' Association has been homeless since last summer due to the lack of a community centre in the area, and they fear Swindon Council is trying to sell off land set aside for one.

Many people were deeply saddened to hear of the death of former West Swindon GP Dr. Dileep Godbole after a short illness. He retired in January of this year good GP. having set up and practised at the He enjoyed tennis, often going Shaw surgery on Ramleaze Drive to Wimbledon, and he had hoped since 1987. He died in late Febru- to do some travelling with his wife ary, shortly before his 59th birth- during his retirement. day. Shirley said, "he was well liked Surgery receptionists Shirley as a good friend as well as a GP. McCormick and Jean Shipway both Many people burst into tears when worked for Dr Godbole for eleven they found out he had died. Peoyears and described him as a keen ple are still 'phoning to say how artist and sportsman, as well as a sad they were to hear the news."

The asssociaton used to meet in a temporary building behind Shaw Village Centre but it became unusable when a leak developed in the roof allowing water to pour onto the electrics. Daily users Jellytots playgroup had to be hastily relocated after twelve years. Steve Brown, residents association chair said, "when we had a meeting with the council, it became clear that the right hand didn't know what the left was doing. They repaired the roof but wouldn't allow us to use the building because the electrics were still unsafe. Then they said the building should be scrapped so the roof repair was a waste of money. "Recently they tried to rent the old building back to us for £1,800 a year, but it's just a portakabin and doesn't meet new disabled access legislation"

The site for a permanent community building was identified in the West Swindon development framework plan in the early 1970s. "The council allocated £21,000 for the design of the building between the Village Inn and the Holy Trinity Church several years ago, but it was used elsewhere," said Steve. "We recently found out that the council has been trying to sell the land for commercial development. "We don't object, so long as there is a large community hall. Our main concern is to have somewhere at the village centre for people to meet to foster community spirit." The residents' association has found temporary shelter in the Village Inn where it meets on the first Monday of the month at 8pm. All residents are welcome to join them. Steve Brown can be contacted on 339729.

Cuts could mean latch-key kids Council gives less with one hand and takes more with the other Two West Swindon after school clubs are facing a crisis due to funding cutbacks by Swindon Council. The after school clubs at Westlea, which celebrates its tenth year in October, and at Toothill Farm provide care for

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Westlea superCherry Hobbs, centre, with staff and visor Cherry children at Westlea After School Club Hobbs is worried that some families may not be able may have to close. At Westlea the to afford to use the club. "We're new grant will not even cover the concerned that some children in £7,000 rent paid to the council. Cherry said a reason for the cut our care will have to pull out if fees increase; they could end up as is that the council is funding new after school clubs by cutting grants latch-key kids. "We provide affordable, conven- to existing ones, a policy she disaient childcare. We have always grees with. "I understand they been full, so we must be offering a have a limited budget, but the govgood service; we want to con- ernment's policy is to provide more after school places. Funding new tinue." Although the volunteer manage- clubs at the expense of the old could ment committee at both clubs are mean that the old ones have to trying to raise additional funds, close, so they are left with the same there are fears that one or both number of places."

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The Link Magazine • All 2001

Easter egg litter hunt Subject to foot-and-mouth restrictions, Easter eggs will be presented to anybody who fills a bag with rubbish at the Sparcells and Peatmoor Community Association litter-clearing morning at Peatmoor Lagoon on Easter Monday, 16 April, 10.30am to 12noon. Litter-pickers and bags will be provided - just turn up at the village centre shops. "Come and help keep your local area tidy," says associaton secretary Suzanne Bullimore. For details, call her 870458.

After school club needs playleader A new after school club has started at Lydiard Millicent primary school offering a range of activities for up to twenty children every day between 3pm and 6pm. Children who attend Lydiard Millicent School are collected, and those from other schools can attend if transport is organised independently. An experienced play leader for three days a week is needed to help manage the club. Rates of pay are competitive. For details, call the school on 770571, gam to 3pm, or contact the club directly on 772981, 3pm to 6pm.

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

Still in business at Grange Farm Grange Farm Garden Centre has served the local community for over 28 years, but it faces a tough future as the northern sector development progresses around it. Situated along Haydon End ` yp their quality, competitive prices fore sturdier and tougher, to with1 Lane, off Westfield Way opposite R+ r , ,, and the large range of plants and stand the rigours of the English the Manor Farm pub, big changes ; products stocked. A choice of the climate. We are justly qualified to are taking place with the start of ; more unusual plants is always use the slogan 'we grow it, we house building this summer at available to encourage those cus- know it,' and can pass on expert Hayden 3 and the construction of Ii tomers that are looking for some- knowledge and advice to customthe Walmart-Asda district centre, ' thing a bit different. ers requiring this information. virtually next door. `X "As we are a nursery a lot of our "We are looking forward to anBut p^oprietors Alan and Valerie plants are actually grown on the other successful season and hope Trotman, rig/It, want customers to ` .> premises and are not mass pro- we can rely on the support of the know that they are still activel duced under intense conditions," local communitytohelpkeepsmall trading despite rumours circulat> sai d Valeri e. "The plants are there- businesses thriving." ing to the contrary, and they in „t,. tend to do so for the foreseeable W y

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Thirty children from Catherine Wayte primary school took part in their first ever drama production Happy Ever After? Over 100 parents and friends enjoyed a witty pantomime i March specially written by drama teacher Celia Messenger. Characters from well known r tl fairy stories, such as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Snow White, were let down by Dwarves; two arrived, the other ` s l., f five went off to form a pop group. Rehearsals took place during the weekly drama club, run by Miss Messenger who was really pleased with the quality of the ^. show. "All the children worked very hard and thoroughly en- Cinderalla, Elizabeth Smith meets Snow joyed themselves. They are al- White, Karin Yamamato, with Prince ready asking me what we are Tyler Thomas, and hula girls, Sophie Howarth, back, Lauren Baldwin going to do next."

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

Deep Sea Den soon to disappear

Jazz Night at

Brooklyn Beckham recently celebrated his birthday party at a Wacky Warehouse, but Swindon children won't be so lucky. Whilst some Abbey Meads' drinkers will have to find an alternative venue for the next few months as The Friary pub undergoes a £1 million refurbishment to Bright and new

The Manor Farm on Lady Lane reopened

on 20 March afterbeingclosed for eight weeks for a complete

refurbishment. The 17th Century farmhouse was badly damaged by fire on 1 April last year.

Gilli & Rob Palmer of Manor Farm

create a Toby Carvery restaurant, children will soon lose a place to release their energy. The popular Wacky Warehouse playbarn, recently renamed Deep Sea Den, next to The Friary, will be demolished, not to be replaced. Bass Leisure acquired the pub in 1999. Spokeswoman Janice Clarke explained that the company does not own the Wacky Warehouse brand name. "We appreciate the disappointment of so me of our customers, but the children's play area does not fit within the company strategy. The £1 million investment will provide Swindon with an important new facility." Plans for a lodge style hotel on the site have been dropped as a restrictive planning covenant prevented this going forward.

Easter Monday at Taw Hill The Burghley Park Community Association is holding two competitions for residents on Bank Holiday Monday, 16th April. The best decorated hard-boiled egg will be judged at the 'Hub', the community centre next to the doctors' surgery at 10am, to be followed by an egg roll down Taw Hill. Competitors of all ages can just turn up and take part, or call Martvn Randell on 703086 for details. New parish councillor

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

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Newcomers to arrive soon at Groundwell

WI Spring Fayre in aid of Prospect Greenmeadow and Haydon Wick WI holds its annual spring fayre on Saturday 28 April, 2pm at the Haydon Centre. There will be an array of stalls ments will be available. featuring bric-a-brac, white elBernice Shailes said the WI laephant, plants, cakes, jewellery, dies hope the fayre will be as poputoiletries, books, nearly new items, lar as past events to help swell the tins and bottles. Good prizes can donation to be made to the Prosbe won in the raffle and refresh- pect Hospice. This month's regular meeting on 9 April, 7.30pm, at the centre features 'A history of Savernake cec a#cd ?^eeourta^c Forest'. The annual meeting is scheduled for 14 May. New members are always welInterior and come. For details, call Bernice on decorating carried out to 340141. a high standard including:

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

r--------Need a picture framed Haydon Wick Parish Council will present its performance plan to the Annual Parish Meeting on 3 April, Looking for a mirror 8pm at the council offices in Thames Avenue, next to the Haydon Centre.

Parish council sets out its achievements and intentions

The plan reviews the council's per- Its work over the past year has more than 100 planning applicaDISCOUNT formance within its overall objec- included the provision of equip- tions including Haydon 3, operatFRAMING CENTRE tives of looking after the commu- ment for and the maintenance of ing community transport and maknity's economic, cultural and recreational areas and open space, ing representations on future eduUnit 44 BSS House physical well-being, ensuring qual- work with young people, repairs cation provision in North Swindon. Cheney Manor Ind Estate ity at an economic cost. to bus shelters, commenting on Plans for the future include: Swindon • the provision of a footpath at the Tel/Fax: 01793 432592 rear of the bowls clubhouse Council offers A to Z of legal services • adoption of open spaces and For friendly professional advice and huge range of play areas in Abbey Meads North Swindon residents now have easy access to a directory of legal services available in the region at the Haydon Wick parish council • provision of a joint-use frames all at great prices all-weather kickabout area at offices. 0 Cut out for Haydonleigh School scheme is that The directory 0 10% discount the organisa- • provision of youth workers provides inforL--------J in Haydon Wick tions undermation on a ' "' take to refer enrange of legal This year's parish precept results quiries to more in a charge equivalent to £20.04 for advice availappropriate a Band D taxpayer, a slight deable to the pubadvisors if ap- crease on last year. From this sum, lic, including propriate. listings of sonearly £7 will go on recreation and The overall open spaces, £1.26 on community licitors, local aim is to help transport, £4.25 on long term authorities and 76 Bridge Street people place projects like the kickabout area and voluntary orSwindon trust in the le- £3.65 on council administration. ganisations. gal system and Some services (01793) 511284 ensure that the may be free or service meets the cost will be partly met by the Legal Services Commission,presents an agreed IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: the Commu- the organisation's Charter Mark for minimum For appointments O Backache, Leg pain nityLegalServ- Self Help Information award to parish standard. Freephone council chairman RichardHallstoneand The parish ices Fund. O Neck, council also The service clerk to the council Sue Martin 0800 7316879 Shoulder, providers included are subject to has details of local solicitors and Arm Pain FREE w.my-clinic.co .uklchiropodywiltshi regular checks to ensure that they organisations within the Swindon ChlroO Headache meet a recognised standard of qual- Community Legal Services Part& Migraine checks ity. An important element of the nership which has similar aims. availabl O Sciatica CHIROPODIST O Sports Injury Canal connection under construction O Whiplash Advanced Reflexologist Work has started on building a 33 metre canal tunnel-bridge under YOU SHOULD CONSIDER Purton Road and will continue until the end of June. & Kinesiologist CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR To minimise disruption, traffic is being diverted onto a new tempoCLINIC AT HIGH STREET rary road whilst the highway is dug up to install preformed concrete SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. culvert sections. This will accommodate both a channel for the North WOOTTON BASSETT Shaw Chiropractic Clinic Wilts canal, and a towpath/cycleway which will extend the River Ray Shaw Village Centre For an appointment with parkway to Mouldon Hill country park to the north. The £500,000 project, financed largely by the North Swindon DevelMrs Lesley Taylor Tel: (01793) 887801 opment Company, is being undertaken by Edmund Nuttall Ltd. on MBChA, MSSCh, MUR, ASK Fax: (01793) 882298 behalf of Swindon Council as a separate contract, but linked to the £12 Member of the British Chiropractic million Northern Orbital Road being built closeby. Association A council spokesman said the work was a complex civil engineering Call (01793) 849914 Member of the College of Chiropractors project to accommodate the line and depth of the canal which first anytime General Chiropractic Council Reg. No. 00584 opened in 1820. The foot/cycle way will be completed at the end of June. The canal will be temporarily back-filled until the Wilts & Berks Amenity Group is able to link the two canal sections at Moredon and Kingshill.

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Tenants and council sign up together Swindon Council tenants now have more say in the management of their properties after a Tenants Participation agreement was signed between the council and representatives of Swindon Tenants Voice. For details, call Alan Wilde on 436777. Swindon's Chief Executive Paul Doherty signs up with Eileen George of Swindon Tenants Voice watched by political leaders and council officers

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Youngsters who attend the West Swindon schools string orchestra will be performing at the Swindon Young Musicians' gala day at the Wyvern Theatre on 1 April. Since November sixty four children have been learning stringed instruments under the guidance from music teachers in the Swindon Music Cooperative; most are complete newcomers to their instruments. In September they will continue with individual lessons Getting ready for their stage debut, tutors and group activities and a new and children of the West Swindon schools beginners' group will be launched. string orchestra

Royal honour for local PC Former Freshbrook beat officer PC Ian Horne would be hard pushed to choose which life experience has been more memorable, being presented with the Queen's Police Medal or the birth of his first grandchild - in the same week in March. Ian, who was featured on our February front page after the announcement of his award in the New Year's honours list, was driven to London with his wife Rosemary and son Brenton, in the Chief Constable of Wiltshire's Jaguar, for what he describes as one amazing day. "I've stood outside Buckingham Palace as a tourist, but to drive in beyond those gates was just the start of a memorable occasion," he said. "The place is quite extraordinary." Prince Charles pinned the award Grange Park from 1984 to 1990 and to Ian's uniform and commented again from 1998 to 2000. He set up that he must have done exceptional and coordinated the Swindon Junwork to achieve the honour. "He ior Good Citizen Scheme and is was right, as very few ordinary currently a member of the SwinPCs get the Queen's Police Medal; don youth offending team. Tilly Johnson from Salisbury was Ian and Rosemary became the first last year," said Ian. "I briefly grandparents when their daughtold him about my work with Swin- ter Maria Masi gave birth to a baby don youth over many years. It girl, Maya. makes me feel very humble to be Later in the year Ian will receive recognised like this." his long service medal for his 22 Ian, who lives in West Swindon, years with the Wiltshire constabuwas beat officer for Freshbrook and lary.

Dancing in space Some 100 children who attend classes with Sullivan School of Dance at Freshbrook Community Centre will be in the 250 strong cast for '2001 a dance odyssey, a journey through space and time' at the Wyvern Theatre at the end of March. Places are available for the summer term starting on 23 April. For details call Jenny Sullivan on 872682.

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

Cut for CALM

Snap students respond

Toothill teenager Steven Lambeth was so moved when he learned that his sister Gemma was likely to loose her hair as a result of radiotherapy that he had his shaved off to raise £300 for Swindon children's cancer charity CALM. Greendown pupil Gemma, 16, have glandular fever," said mum was diagnosed with acute lym- Jackie, who left her job as a Link phoblastic leukemia on 19 January Centre receptionist in November after feeling unwell for two weeks. to become a nurselink coordinator Within 24 hours she was receiving with Marie Curie cancer care. "I chemotherapy treatment and had suppose I have more understanda course of radiotherapy at Ox- ing of the situation, but having ford's John Radcliffe Hospital in your own child diagnosed with early March, to be followed by cancer makes it no easier to bear. more chemotherapy. In between The treatment will last for two Gemma will have weekly lumbar years, but there is a good chance of punctures and fortnightly bone recovery because Gemma was diagnosed early." marrow transplants. Staff at PMH put the family in "It came as a complete shock to all of us; we thought Gemma might touch with CALM and chairman w Don Macarthur was quickly on hand to explain the support members could provide. Steven said he wanted to do something to help Gemma and decided to fundraise for the locally based organisation. Steven took on his new look at Mighty Sharp barbers in Rodbourne where he is a customer. Proprietor Vince Fruci, who recently lost his father to cancer, also Bald for CALM, Steven puts the finishing touches raised £133 by going bald to Vince watched by parents Jackie and Paul as well.

In April 1991 children at Toothill School were taken on a myste ry trip into the count ry side near Swindon and told to see what they could discover on a hillside covered in low trees and bushes. Soon they were finding old ru- took four A levels; she will study ins and other clues to the fact that Biology at Bath University in Septhe village of Snap once stood there. tember. She still lives in Toothill It was the beginning of a four and is currently on a gap year month project which took over which allowed her to spend three their school lives and drew in every months in Australia last Autumn, which included a visit to the Sydaspect of the curriculum. ney Olympics. Last month former Ben, who lives in Toothill school Wroughton, took a Brian teacher travel and tourism Gardner appealed course at Swindon Colfor pupils who lege and is now a worked on the Snap trainee at Thomas project exactly ten Cook in the West Swinyears ago to contact don Centre. The Link. Two who If you were in the did are Michelle Snap class, Brian Hopkins and Ben Gardner would like to Marshall, right. hear from you. ConBoth went onto tact The Link: see page The Ridgeway 4. School. Michelle

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CALM (Children's Cancer & Leukaemia Movement) holds its annual fundraising golf day on Thursday 21 June at the Wrag Barn course at Highworth. The De Vere Hotel is again the main sponsor, providing the first prize of a round of golf and lunch at the famous Belfry course. There will be a range of competitions and plenty of prize winning opportunities for both men and women golfers. In the evening there will be a prize draw. To match last year's success CALM needs prizes for the draw; donations or company sponsorship would be most welcome. CALM is a local chari ty for the Swindon health area only, run totally voluntarily for the last 17 years by parents. All money raised goes to help the children and their families. No funds pay salaries or office accommodation. They have about fifteen children receiving treatment at any one time, and they aim to support the whole family. For details of CALM, golf day entries and sponsorship, contact Sue Edwards on 791470.

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Children's Information Service Swindon in line for award The telephone help line service for parents and child-carers, which opened just over a year ago, has been put forward to receive a recognised National Association of Children's Information Services' Quality Award, one of the first six out of 150 similar services across the country to be recommended. Calls to the service since its openthat parents may be able to reing have doubled and the service ceive. now receives over 450 calls each I At the end of April the CIS will month on childcare provision, _ be providing information from a funding for 3 and 4 year olds, lei_. convenient high street shop front sure activities, parent and toddler `a n in the town centre. groups, special needs and local ( In the meantime, call the CIS support groups. with enquiries on anything relatThe service has information and ing to children 0 to 14 years and application forms on the new Chil' they will try to find the answer or ' signpost you to an expert. dreri s Tax Credit, and a Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) cal- Hotline for childcare information, Telephone 541786 culator, which enables staff to give Annette Palmer and Gerry Gardiner e-mail: cissw@aol.com www.childcarelink.gov.uk a rough estimate of the amount with John Spencer

Baby sale time

EDUCATIONAL NURSERY SCHOOLS

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Vacancies in all age groups Various hours available to suit your individual needs

National Childbirth Trust nearly new sale to include the sale of good quality baby, children and maternity clothes, baby equipment and toys Oasis Leisure Centre Saturday 7 April, 11 am - 1 pm Admission: 50p Contact Amanda Heard on 771854 for a seller's pack. Wanted: Good quality/nearly new baby equipment, toys, baby and maternity clothes in good clean condition to sell on a 25% commission basis to the Swindon branch of the NCT - no sale no fee.

Phone Alison for more details (01793) 877779

Don't worry if you're not a perfect parent There was a huge response to the article in last month's Link by health visitor Bindu Rattan from parents interested in attending her series of child development talks. She is covering a range of topics which can upset and frustrate parents and create tension in the home. They last an hour from loam at the West Swindon Health Centre. Coming up: 5 April: bedtimes and sleep 3 May: Meal times/eating For details and to book a place, call Bindu on 877233.

Children's Information Service Swindon Tel: (01793) 541786 a us f OflE Call and your childcare worries are eased! CIS is funded by Swindon Borough Council, and supported by the Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership Reg. charity: 108 1 6 21

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

Numbers problem closer to resolution A looming crisis in finding places for the booming numbers of secondary age children in West Swindon is to be sorted out by Bradon Forest and Greendown schools. Council education Swindon in order to maintain our The Link exclusively reported in In mid-March there spokesman Norrie Por- positive relationship with local priMarch the desperation of West were sixty-six appeals ter said discussions be- mary schools. Swindon parents who had been for places to the Bradon "Clearly Greendown cannot take tween the council and turned down by Bradon Forest Forest governors who Bradon Forest gover- over three hundred children; both because it is obliged to give first are responsible for denors had established an schools have the same problem, a priority to the large number of chil- termining its own admisagreement in principle lack of space." dren from its Wiltshire village sion policy. Greendown Greendown will have to increase that the school would feeder primary schools. School was faced with increase its intake from its intake from 240 to 270. But places Swindon Council has known the prospect of having to will still have to be found for 220 to 252. about the problem for several years take up to 311 children Bradon headteacher around seventeen children. but has failed to plan for the extra in September. Both schools will have to overHowever Swindon Chris Montacute, left, numbers. confirmed that another come the teacher shortage crisis to year 7 class would be opened. "The staff the extra classes being accomgoverning body made an offer to modated.

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The Governors at Greendown School have announced that deputy headteacher Steve O'Sullivan, left, has been appointed to replace Ian Matthews who leaves in August after 16 years. Mr 'O as he has been known by pupils for many years, was the third teacher to be appointed at Greendown in 1985. In March, Bradon Forest headteacher Chris Montacute was appointed to become the new head at Wootton Bassett School from September. Earlier in the year Mr Tom Axon, head at The Ridgeway announced he would be retiring at the end of the school year.

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BBCs Dan loses the pounds at Link ALC

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BBC Wiltshire Sound morning presenter Dan Chisholm looks a new man thanks to the Link Centre active lifestyle centre, but being on radio you have to take his word for it. Dan accepted a had made progress. challenge from ALC The results were imstaff to 'get him fit' in pressive. 12 weeks at the end " Dan's resting of October last year, pulse rate - a very on the first annivergood indicator of sary of the ALC. He cardio-vascular wanted to reduce his health - was 13 beats / waistline and to be minute lower, a huge able to get up and i mprovement. His down the four flights blood pressure, which of stairs at the radio was already fine, was Racing for Red Nose station in Old Town lower too. Dan and Nigel without become a "Dan had gained wheezing wreck. 3lbs in weight (muscle) yet lost 2 Darren Gunter described how inches from his waist and he also he and colleagues set about sort- improved his aerobic capacity by ing Dan out. "We began by giving over 20% as well as his lung capachim a fitness assessment which in- ity. The studio stairs are now a volves measuring various health walk in the park and he has related indicators such as resting achieved both his goals. heart rate, blood pressure, lung Other improvements were incapacity, hip and waist girths, and creased muscle strength and flexbody fat percentage, as well as ibility. Dan was well pleased at the measuring his aerobic fitness success of the programme and is (stamina), flexibility and strength. up for a second challenge." "All of Dan's results were averDan is keeping up the good age, or just below average, for a work. On 16 March he and BBC man of his age except his body fat reporter Nigel Ballard raced each which was better than average. other on rowing machines over " We organised a progressive 2000 metres in aid of Comic Relief. weight training and treadmill proYou too can get a lot fitter at the gramme and the fitness assessment Link Active Lifestyle Centre. Call was repeated at the end to see if he into the Link and talk to the staff.

Wootton Bassett tennis club has appointed local tennis player and DLA/LTA qualified coach Sarah Green, 19, to be its club coach. The club, which has four all-weather courts, two of which are floodlit, at Rylands Way, holds a Junior Day for 9 to 18 year olds on 19 April. All youngsters are invited to attend. For further information, call Sarah Green on 523054 or 07765 436622.

From BT to Botswana Nine Elms resident Sarah Banks has given up a steady job and the materialistic life to work as a volunteer at the Mokolodi nature reserve in Botswana for a year. The 29 year old source for the children of Botswana software engineer funded mainly by explained she made a snap decision to tourism and corporate sponsorship of ditch the high tech world on the last animals. evening of a visit to Sarah will be working alongside park Botswana last Nostaff and other volvember. "I had always unteers. She said, "I'll be doing marketing wanted to do conserand helping with vation work and I computer systems, casually asked over dinner if they could but then I could be fighting bush fires." use my computer The Link has sugskills. They were Sarah Banks, leaving gested sources of keen and I said I'll be the technological jungle back in a few funds which might at BT North Star lead to closer links months," said Sarah. Having saved up, sold every- between Swindon schools and the thing she did not need and re- park via the internet. We hope to hear from Sarah later signed from BT, she leaves on 31 March to live on £40 a month. in the year. The park can be visited Mokolodi is an education re- at www.mokolodi.com

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

Visit the library instead of a walk in the country With foot-and-mouth rampant across the land and people being asked to avoid count ry walks, some of you will be looking for alternative activities, writes Lesley North at the West Swindon libra ry . Perhaps you are planning your cities and countries. We have a give yourself a fright with Scream garden. We have some useful good health section with books on 3. Premier titles are £2.50 per week. Looking ahead, as part of the books from basics for the begin- alternative medicines and techner, container gardening, water niques such as massage and Swindon Festival of Literature, West Swindon is hosting a Librarfeatures and plants and good old aromatherapy. fashioned know-how. Should you We have some new video titles ies Festival Day on Thursday 3 like to spend your evening delv- arriving: American Psycho, Being May, with competitions, displays, ingintoforeignlandsandcultures, John Malkovich, Love in a Cold story telling with Cat Wetherill, try the travel section for guides on Climate, Disney's Dinosaur, or family history and much more.

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LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER A personal manifesto for a new agriculture North Swindon MP Michael Wills wants to see a better future for both farmers and consumers

Smoke from the pyres of incinerated cattle drifts over the British countryside. It epitomises the latest crisis to hit farming as footand-mouth follows BSE. Farmers in the Swindon area tell me they have never experienced such dreadful difficulties. Clearly the first priority is to deal with the immediate problem of foot-and-mouth. But after this is done, government must turn its mind to how to secure a more sustainable future for farmers and

Keeley and Michael with Bobby Wyeth and Dana Lillie

•

farming. The industrialisation of agriculture has brought the benefits of cheaper food to millions of people. But we are now becoming aware that it has also carried costs with it. The Common Agricultural Policy which has been the cornerstone of European agricultural policy has been long overdue for radical reform. Support for farming now must be better directed towards securing the sustainability of agriculture and the countryside in which it takes place. Michael Wills visited Headstarts Nursery in Westlea in March to meet Keeley Botchett, the 500th unemployed person to be placed in ajob under the Government's New Deal scheme. Keeley, 20, who left Greendown in 1997, had several hotel and retail jobs but never settled. But she's now 'in the job of my dreams.' "I've always wanted to go into childcare and the New Deal placement has given me the chance;it really is fantastic." Michael Wills said, "I'm delighted at Keeley's success and the benefit New Deal had brought to 499 others across Swindon."

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We must place greater importance on the role of farmers and farming in preserving and enhancing the countryside which is precious to us all - wherever we live. The Government has already made significant sums of money available to help farmers through this time of crisis. But there is no point in short-term palliatives unless we also look at longer-term measures of support. Some of these are already being put in place - for example, to help diversification from farming and to find other productive uses for the land. I believe organic farming must play a significant role in the future of the countryside. This is not just a matter of enabling farmers to

make the switch. It will also involve educating consumers about the merits of organic produce so that, if necessary, they will be prepared to pay appropriately for it. It is likely we will need to look at the commercial infrastructure of agriculture, exploring the merits of more localised structures so farmers can get their products quickly to market in the areas in which they farm. This is a big agenda for change but one with which we must engage if farming is to emerge from its current problems into a brighter new world. • Michael Wills can be contacted at the Pinehurst People's Centre, Olive Grove, Swindon. Tel: 481016.

Internet access should be available to all Today's society has changed dramatically with the new 'digital age,' and, despite dot-corn crashes, a new class system is now developing, the information 'have and have-nots,' writes Catherine Briggs of the West Swindon based organisation Citizen Online. For various reasons a section of think by the end of 2002 everyone our society is missing out on this will be within easy striking disnew era. There is a real danger tance of Internet facilities, for exthat those who would benefit most ample every public library will be from new skills and job opportu- fully equipped as a UK Online nities, cheaper goods and services, Centre where people can learn all health advice or simple informa- about these new technologies." tion gathering are those least likely to be online. The barriers to joining the information age include cost, training, physical access and a lack of trust or confidence. Citizens Online is a national, independent, not for profit organisation, committed to exploring the Internet and the impact it has on society. We are bringing together the key partners within government, industry and the voluntary sector to highlight this gap in provision. The Government has made a Launching Citizen's Online in Decemvery strong commitment that ber. Michael Wills MP with Catherine by 2005 everyone in the UK will Briggs, Marketing Manager, Office Adbe able to access the Internet. minis trator Mishelle Brooks, Chief ExLatest statistics reveal that they ecutive John Fisher, Cheryl Orton, Reare still some way from fulfill- sources Manager ing this promise. For instance 48% of high income families now Citizens Online chief executive have the Internet at home, whilst John Fisher appeared in the same only 3% of low income households discussion and made it clear that have the same access. Universal Access will only be Swindon is fortunate that local achieved when everyone has acMP Michael Wills, who is also Min- cess from their homes. Citizens ister for Learning and Technology Online will be working with Govat the Department for Education ernment to ensure that everybody and Employment, is very support- is given the opportunity to go ive of Universal Internet Access. online. An important partner in Speaking in a discussion on BBC this is the IT industry who have to TV Breakfast News early in Janu- recognize that in addition to their ary, he stated, "if people are de- commercial aspirations they have nied access to the Internet, they are a social responsibility to support going to be deprived of many op- the amazing new digital world that portunities." He went on to say, "I they have created.

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Dreams within a dream come true Once there was a little girl called Clara, who dreamed of her mysterious godfather and the Nutcracker who heroically conquers the Mouseking and his army of giant mice, and who turns into a prince and takes her on an enchanting journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. And on 27 and 28 April, the dreams of one hundred girls and a few boys in Swindon come true when they dance with the English Youth Ballet company in The Nutcracker at the Wyvern Theatre, directed by choreographer Jane Lewis. Internationally renowned principal dancers Ursula Hageli and Richard Slaughter take the lead roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the prince. Megan Gibson from Shaw cannot wait for the magical experience at the Wyvern. The 11 year old, who attends the Estelle School of Dance, said, "it's such a large cast and really exciting to dance with professionals on a big stage." Tickets, at £13, £11 (conc. £1.50 off) and £9 for the Saturday matinee, can be booked at the Wyvern box office: 524481.

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A few of the cast taking part in The Nutcracker: dancers from West Swindon and Haydon Wick, from left, Jenna Molloy, Lucy Jefferies, Lucy Gallagher, Amanda Downes, Katie Pitts-Drake, Megan Gibson

^h2

Classical line-up complete for August Wilts Fest. ticket sales to help charity The Wiltshire Festival Classical Extravaganza in Lydiard Park on Friday 24 August will feature one of the world's renowned tenors Dennis O'Neill and soprano Jeannette Mooney, with conductor Jae Alexander once again leading the pomp and circumstance. The 1 00 strong Morriston Orpheus Choir will be travelling up .„F; from South Wales and the band of the , Scots Guards will entertain the revellers during thei r picnics before the main performance commences. After The Link exclusively revealed last month that famous boy band Five takes top billing for the Party in the Park on Sunday 26 August, along with Aswad and Caprice, above, Atomic Kitten and 80s band Go West have been added to the line-up. Negotiations are being held with TV Popstars

creation Hear'say. More names areto be announced. Unfortunately the ticket booking hotline published last month has not been connected. The new number will be announced in our May edition. However, the first tickets are now available to personal callers at GWR radio in Wootton Bassett andalsofromJohn Holmes Music in Faringdon Road,

Swindon. The booking fee from tickets sold at John Holmes will be donated to the Bristol Hospital for Sick Children.

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Making shopping easier The Easter holidays are nearly here and with so many restrictions on moving around the countryside, the next best thing is a trip into town. The Brunel Centre is making shopping a better experience ly) & for harassed parents by providing bright red 'Kiddy Carts' ^F for use, free of charge. I The carts were introduced by new centre owners Westfield Shopping Towns last November and have been a fantastic success ever since. said marketing manager r Hannah Champion. "Customerscannotbelieveweofferthis C^ as a free service; the children love to be in the carts as they are pushed around the shops, they're far more fun than a _ n buggy." ^a To use a cart, all that is required is to provide some fors^.. mal identification of name and Customer services assistant address which is returned at Denise Hofgartner makes sure the end of the shopping trip. Daniel and Lisa Bisset, left, and The centre recently opened Pauline Gielly and her grandson Puzzle Corner, a specially Jack Hayes are ready for their decorated room, complete with shopping trip TV and games, where lost children can be looked after by a cus- and entertain them whilst we lotomer services assistant while the cate their parents." Westfield is planning a major parents are found. "Things get very busy at the weekends and children refurbishment of the Brunel Centre can easily become separated,"said in the future to upgrade and imHannah. "Puzzle Corner gives us prove the shopping experience for a place to calm a distressed child town centre visitors.

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Swim iGr wide Return to the Red Nose in May Because we had to complete The Linkon Red Nose Day - no joke we can assure you - we did not have the time and space to feature all the antics for Comic Relief. So we'll be returning to the Red Nose next month with pictures of Pants to Poverty. Buyakkasha! Swindon Council's education chief Mike Lusty is jumped by Ali G on a visit to Greendown School on Red Nose Day

Farmers trapped and desperate for support Last month we promoted the Swindon Farmers' Market in a big way, though having reported that local producers feel that the majority of people do not know where the market takes place, we failed to tell you. That was of no consequence in were preparing for their busiest the end because the foot-and- Easter for years. This time last year they were mouth crisis began to overtake the country just as the March Linkwas rebuilding their business afterwindistributed and farmers' markets ning a planning battle with Swindon Council which had severely were closed down. This means the Mothers' Day restricted their opening times. " We've worked extremely hard competition we were running in conjunction with the producers has throughout the winter to prepare been held over until the market educational materials and displays ready to open on 17 March, but we returns, Rebecca Jones of Hinton Marsh just don't know when we'll have to Farm, one of the leading produc- postpone it to," said Rupert. ers at the market, is hoping that " We have hundreds of pregnant foot-and-mouth does not spread to ewes ready to lamb over the next six weeks; it's a her farm, given massive set back that it is now in a as the majority of restricted area. In '` our visitors come mid-March she during lambing ^ r •. said she and her ` ti me." family were trying He also voiced to stay calm. "We W1 the anger of farm` have 650 ewes on ers across Britain foursites all ready that they now to lamb. We can't . havetoworktothe bring ourselves to _ kill healthy ani ry highest standards ry mals just beBig setback for Rupert and in Europe, and cause we cannot Joanna Burr at Roves Farm, bear the costs, whilst the governmove them to the pictured in happier times ment refuses to farm, so we're building pens and setting up mar- police and restrict the import of quees in the field to do the lambing meat from other countries where outdoors: we'll be working 24 hours animal welfare standards and health conditions are nowhere near a day for the next few weeks." Hinton Marsh Farm holds the as high. Farm Assured mark, which means Restrictions and cattle and sheep are reared withcancellations out routine antibiotics and in happy conditions. She said herfree range Swindon Council has closed its chickens cannot be sold and country parks and is asking people healthy cattle which go over thirty to avoid Peatmoor Lagoon and stay months have no value and have to off grass areas across West Swinbe killed because of BSE regula- don. tions. Cancelled: Another Link advertiser is now The Easter Egg Hunt at Lydiard desperate. Rupert and Joanna Park on 7 April. Burr, who run the popular Roves The Wootton Bassett Lions May Farm visitorcentre near Highworth Day Fair

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Venues

Contact venues to confirm date, time and price

Theatre Wednesday 18th, 7.30pm The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, (abridged). All 37 plays in 97 minutes - an hysterical tribute to the great Bard. £13.50. Wyvern

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Friday 20th, 8pm Notes From a Small Island. Stage adaptation of Bill Bryson's travel diaries of his trip round the UK presented by Brighton Theatre Events. £9. Arts Centre Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th, 7.30pm The Gazebo, a comedy thriller from Alec Coppel with a twist in the tail, presented by The Phoenix Players, £4.50. Arts Centre. Tickets from 1 April, call 525616, 3pm - 8pm

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Film

The Arts Centre Thursday 5th, ' Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 7.45pm *' The National Monuments Billy Elliott (15) Record Centre, Kemble Drive. Set against the backdrop of the turbulent miners' strike of 1984, a talTel: 414600 ented young boy (Jamie Bell) is torn STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive. between his unexpected love of dance and the disintergration of his Tel: 466655 family. Also starring Julie Walters. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, £3.95. Wyvern Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Sunday 8th, 8pm Town Hall Studios Jamon, Jamon ('Ham, Ham) (18) Regent Circus. Tel: 463210 Silvia, a village girl pregnant with The Wyvern Theatre Jose Luis' baby, plans to marry but Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Jose's mother has other ideas. She

Dance Friday 6th, 8pm Fearless. In Motionhouse Dance

Theatre's latest fast and furious piece, three dancers launch and hurl, swing and shimmy, leap and dive, in a turbine of extreme physical action. £7.45. Town Hall Studios Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th, 7.30pm, & 2.30pm on 28th The Nutcraker presented by Engli sh Youth Ballet. Ursula Hageli dances a sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy partnered by Richard Slaughter, her noble prince. £13. Wyvern

hires the talents of the local hunk to win Silvia away. Screened in association with the Swindon Spanish Association. £2.50. Victoria pub, Victoria Road, Old Town Wednesday 11th, 7.45pm The Cup (PG) A tale of a new recruit who arrives at a monastery of exiled Tibetans in India during the 1998 World Cup tournament. Arts Centre. Presented by Swindon Film Society. Join on the night. Thursday 12th, 7.45pm Memento (15) This enigmatic, original thriller, which runs the narrative in reverse, stars Guy Pearce, as a man who has etched messages on his torso to counter his amnesia. £3.50, Arts Centre Tuesday 17th, 7.45pm Gladiator (15) Excellent epic gladiator movie, set to collect Oscars by the handful. £3.95. Wyvern Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th

Johnny Depp and Cate Blanchett star alongside Christina Ricci as a Jewish girl, caught up in the Russian pogroms of the 1920s and wartime Europe, who ultimately seeks out her father in Hollywood. Enriched by opera, gypsy and Jewish music. £3.45. Arts Centre Monday 23rd, 7.45pm Cast Away (15) The story of how a man (Tom Hanks) must evolve in isolation in order to survive. Nominated for Best Actor and Best Sound Oscars. £3.95. Wyvern

Comedy Sunday 8th Victoria Wood - sold out. Wyvern

American wrestling Monday 30th, 7.30pm Wrestlemania. £10. Wyvern

it Aprii

Music

Family

Monday 26 March to Saturday 7 April 92nd Annual Swindon Music Festival. Three sessions each day (omitting Sunday 1st) of competitive music classes. Programme from box office, Arts Centre Wednesday 4th and Friday 6th, 7.30pm That'll Be The Day. With over 80 hits from the 1950's, 60's & 70's the show's secret weapon is the comedy content. You'll be dancing in the aisles. £14. Wyvern

Saturday 21st, 1pm & 4pm Peter Pan. The classic tale told in sparkling style by Edinburgh Puppet Co. Close your eyes, clap your hands and you will believe in fairies. Suit 5 years and over. £5, children £4.50, family £16. Arts Centre

Performance Poetry

Latin Rhythms Saturday 21 April, 8.30pm to lam Fiesta! Salsa & Latin Party Night Guest teacher & DJ Steve West of Salsamania, Bristol. Tickets£4 from Ritmo Latino on 812177 or£5 on the door. Crossways Suite, Moonrakers, Cricklade Road

Pulsar 'Live Microphone'

Evening The Goddard Arms, Clyffe Pypard, Nr Broad Hinton

Thursday 26 April, 8pm Special guest poet, Blair Ewing from Clarksville, USA

Sunday 22 April, 8pm World Music Night with DJs Che and Mitch in aid of the National Deaf Children's Society. The Victoria, Victoria Road Details from 641728 or07803 602191

Relax, listen or better still, read poems of your choice to a partisan and non-competitive audience. No entry charge Call David Pike on 875941

Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th,

7.30pm, & 2.30pm on 11th & 14th Phantom of the Opera. Ken Hill's tongue in cheek adaptation of Gaston Leroux's gothic tale of the masked Phantom in the Paris opera. £19 £11. Wyvern Tuesday 17th, 2pm A Night at the Music Hall. A nostalgic look back at the wonderful music of the 50s will recreate fond memories and help re-live times gone by. £6. Wyvern Thursday 19th, 7.30pm The Meatloaf Story. Steve Steinman takes the audience through every

thrill and spill that Meatloaf's colourI ful career has experienced. £12.50. Wyvern Thursday 19th, 8pm Rod Clements and Nigel Stonier. Ex Lindisfarne members on the road with a rich and varied collection of songs and afresh contemporary feel. £7. Arts Centre Sunday 21st, 7.30pm Hermans Hermits and The Merseybeats. A treat for any fan of 60's music. £12.50. Wyvern Tuesday 24th, 8pm The Searchers - LIVE! A opportunity to to enjoy The Searchers' well known hits and rarely seen acoustic performed songs. £10. Wyvern Sunday 29th, 7.30pm Maddy Prior and Friends, Nick Holland (keyboard) and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley. A combination of classics from Maddy's past and contemporary materi al, calling on English and Celtic mythology, history and musical tradition for inspiration. £12.50. Arts Centre Sunday 29th, 7.30pm Voulez Vous with The First Decade Tour'. Nearly 2 hours of Abba memorabilia, nine number 1's,19top twenty hits and many more. Come along in

your Abba gear and have a

Supertroupa time. £13.50, Wyvern

Graham McCallion

Exhibitions Arts Centre to 21 April - Reflecting Sarah Ings' bold solo show gives glimpses of images reflected in objects such as teapots and light bulbs. Arts Centre 24 April to 12 May Looking in !/ Wonderland

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Easter Bunny Special

PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO WEDDINGS PORTRAITS COMMERCIA

Sunday & Monday 15/16 April

The Barn, 116 High Street Blunsdon, Swindon

Blunsdon Station '"Tadpole Lane, Swindon Tel: (01793) 77161 5

44 engraved

prints taken from the original wood blocks for Sir

John Tenniel's much loved illustrations for Alice Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. A Graphicus Touring Exhibition, exhibited as part of the Swindon Festival of Literature. National Monuments Record Centre, The Gallery 7 April to 1 July - The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter English Heritage has surveyed this historic industrial area, where traditional trades such as jewellery and silverware manufacture is still carried out in 19th and early 20th Century workshops, often using historic tools and machinery. Wyvern, Harlequin Bar 3 April to 29 April - Hidden Lives To highlight human rights abuses, 60 photographs by Chris Robinson, of women in Burma are testimony to their humanity in the face of a grim daily reality under the military junta. Wyvern, Lower Foyer 4 April to 29 April Swindon Open Drawing Exhibition 2001 Richly varied styles and media showcased by Swindon's artists. St Peter's Church, High Street, Marlborough 13 April to 29 April, 10am - 4pm Frederick Cameron Street Landscapes, seascapes and boat

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Saturday 7th Meet Paddington Bear at STEAM Bring along your teddy for a picninc on the station platform with stories and of course, Paddington's favourite marmalade sandwiches. Normal admission charge. STEAM

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A FAIR WITH A DIFFERENCE The Science Museum, Wroughton

' 4

a,td7O avt Easter Sunday 15th & B. Hol Monday 16th April Public 10.30am to 4.30pm Admission £2 (includes aircraft exhibits) Stalls are housed in hangars situated amongst the historic aircraft exhibits creating a unique and exciting atmosphere Something for everyone. Catering, disabled facilities, 150 children's entertainment and ample free parking. stalls

Enquiries: 01452 500880 or 0411 905510 On A4361 from Swindon on the Devizes Road

Celebrate Spring at Connies,\ of Old Town The finest in Cantonese, Sechuan,

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ENTE1 TAINM1NT

Shows , 7 now booking Tom Jones Cardiff Castle 29th July, £53 Mamma Mia! London

6th November, £43 Fame London, 20th April Adult £26, child £24 Saturday Night Fever Bristol, 22nd May Adult £25, child £23.50 Spend Spend Spend

Bristol, 9th June Adult £28, £26 Coming soon: Jesus Christ Menu available on request Fully Licensed

53 Devizes Road Swindon Tel: (01793) 521515

Superstar, Dr Dolittle Prices include coach travel from Swindon To book call: 01793 772729 or 0775 991700

Classes, workshops & children's activities

Sunday 8th to Sunday 22nd The Great Steam Easter Egg Hunt Make and mend weekend Find the eggs around the museum Friday 30 March - Sunday 1 April andpickupaprize. Suit4to8yrolds, An opportunity to really get to know allow one and a half hours. Normal tools of many trades. Residential admission charge plus £1, STEAM price: £75 Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th, Sewing weekend 10am - 4pm Friday 30 March - Sunday 1 April Watercolour on the loose Learn how to stitch and machine Suitable for beginners and experisew, you decide what to make. Bring enced painters. £36. Arts Centre your own machine or use one at the Thursday 19th farm. Residential price: £75 Building Swindon. Contribute to a Children's morning huge junk art model of what Swindon Tuesday 3 April, 10am - 12.30pm might look like in the future. Ages 5Seasonal activities and exploration 11 years. £2. Swindon Museum & Art around the farm for young children Gallery and their parents and carers. A mid Saturday 28th, 10am - 4pm morning snack is provided and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Mad Hatters' Art Party Create wonderful hats and masks £5 per family from all kinds of materials (included). Easter Activity Day Suit ages 6-13. £5. Arts Centre for 5 to 12 year olds Tuesday 10 April,10.30am -3.30pm Spring into activities around the farm: pond dipping, crafts, Easter egg treasure hunt, baking. £12 per child Saturday 14th Meet the Railway Workers Easter Activities Weekend Join former engine drivers, firemen Friday 13- Monday 16 April and railway workers to find out more A celebration for all ages with tradiabout life'inside'the Swindon Works. tions old and new. Blow eggs and Normal admission charge, STEAM paint them, bake hot cross buns and Saturday 21st, 2.15pm eat them, make bonnets and wear them, tell stories and hear them. Early Tour of the National Monuments booking recommended. Residential Record Centre. An introduction to the work and collections of the NMRC. price: Adult £100, child £60 Free Working weekend Friday 27th, 7.30pm Friday 27 April - Sunday 29 April An opportunity to get to know the Crocodiles in India with Robert farm, turn your hand to old jobs and Bustard, President of the British new, enjoy good company and food. Herpetological Society. £4. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery No charge

Talks & tours

All events must be booked. Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane, Shaw, Swindon SN5 5PJ. Tel/fax: 771080

Swindon Choral Society Spring Concert

Celtic Academy of Irish Dancing

Saturday 31 March, 8pm Holy Rood Church Groundwell Road

Dance at Thistle Hotel, Fleming Way.

Rossini Sabar Mater and the Beethoven Mass in C. Tickets from the Arts Centre, Devizes Road. Tel. 614837

Saturday 21 April, 8pm - lam Music by Irish recording star, Sean Wilson. Exhibition of Irish dancing Tickets £7.50, to book call 642368

Churchfields reunion Saturday 21 April, 7pm for exChurchfields pupils who sat O' levels in 1981. Drinks followed by dinner at a local venue. Contact Mary Mills-Brown at mary.brown@pwblf.org if you were one of that year group.

Social Scene A social group for unattached people, Social Scene, gets together every weekend for dances, meals, walks, parties, organised trips. They meet every Wednesday at Club 2000, Hobley Drive, Stratton from 8.30pm. New members are always welcome. For details call 438998 or 812769

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The Prospect Hospice 21st Birthday Appeal Prospect Hospice is 21 years old and even with the good news that Wiltshire Health Authority have committed to increase its grant to fund thirty per cent of our core costs for 2001/2002, this still leaves us having to find the remaining seventy per cent, writes community fundraiser Gillian Richardson. help us by taking part in one or many the Prospect Christmas tree and sponsor a light of the special events below: financial year, so the need for the 1-21 May: 21 days of birthday par- to celebrate the life of community to commit to regular giv- ties. Help us to celebrate by holding a a loved one. We also have a small ing for Prospect has never been greater. party of your own. It can take any For our anniversary we are planform, from a formal dinner to a Mad range of merchandise on sale for our special ning a year of celebration and you can Hatter's tea party. year available from our 4 May: Designer Out- shops, the Hospice or let outing, 6.30pm - via mail order direct sponsored walk/push/ from the Fundraising skip around the Great Office. Western Designer OutDuring the year we let Village. are holding two speJune: Sunflower Ap- cial events: The Prospeal. A month of activi- pect Sporting Appeal ties including streetcol- for clubs, groups and Staff and children at Bright Horizons nursery at lections; our special new schools - hold a sport- Peatmoor raised £770 for Prospect by baking heart enamel Sunflower ing event for Prospect shaped biscuits for Valentine's Day, dressing up in badge; Wear Yellow and we will provide odd clothes, and selling arts and craft work. A Day on 21 June, and a you with a super plaque talkative staff member Jas Mander alone raised £100 Sunflower abseil down to commemorate the from a sponsored silence. Gillian recieves a cheque for £667 from the Swindon Nursery Manager Heather Russell said, "we exachievement. Or take Choral Society raised from sales of their Christmas part in the Company plained to the children who they were helping so they CD. From left, Kathy Danswan, Stuart Musgrove, Challenge where your understood the need; we all had a lot fun. We chose chairman_ David Truslove_ musical director 18 August: Company company can compete to help the Prospect Hospice because we heard they Challenge It's a in teams to see who were short of funds and they are very close to many Knockout, Croft Sport Centre. Com- can raise the most people at the nursery who have friends or relatives who have been helped." p an ies competing to raise funds for funds for Prospect. GOGGLEBOX Bright Horizons celebrates its third anniversary Contact the FundProspect. TV & VIDEO raising Department on since opening in April. 8 September: Garden fete in the Hos815142 or fundraising Above: Gillian receives the Bright Horizons donation REPAIR pice grounds, 12noon - 4pm. (b p r o s p e c t- from, rear left to right, Tracy Field, Joe Derry, James 7 October: Livingwell at the Croft hospice. org .uk for de- Key, Heather Russell. Front, Stacy Lyme, Tara SERVICE Sports Centre, loam - 5pm. Find out tails of any of the above Harrison, Lauren Clutterbuck, Joshua Key, Amber more about living life to the full with events. Keighley, Thomas Gase Free home demonstrations and treatments available from yoga to kick boxing, along estimates Stiching together for Prospect with craft and information stalls. * No call out charge 12 October: 21st Birthday Lottery There was a fantastic response to a four line appeal by Stitches Neelecraft Draw. A special prize draw of our Group in the wanted section of the February Link for cross stitch bits and * All repairs weekly lottery with a top prize of pieces in aid of the Prospect Hospice. Organiser Sarah Raymond said she guaranteed £2,100. Tickets on sale now. was overwhelmed by donations of 8 December: Light of Life CelebraTel: 01793-812738 cross stitch frames, threads and neetion, 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Join us around Over £1.7 million must be raised from voluntary sources during this

SARACEN 230 bikes on show, the choice is great - the price is right

Alessandra For crafts and gifts

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dlecraft hits. Eager members of Stitches snapped up the items and £80 was raised. "1 had calls from the moment The Link came out; the generosity of readers is just brilliant." Stitches welcomes anybody interested in needlecraft. For details, or to donate needlecraft items to be sold in Gillian with Linda Whittle and Sarah aid of the Prospect Hospice, call Sarah Raymond with some of the donated items on 886410.

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Welcome to the eighth Swindon Festival o f Literature, an annual adventure that takes Swindon words from the page to the stage! \l^erati'^^^ 4^tivaj

1-12 May2001 Writing is a solitary business, and so is reading. Here is a chance to celebrate both together in a kind of cultural communion.Well, a literary frolic at least.A chance to meet the men and women who have the courage to choose the words, tell the stories, and make the poems. Authors talk to ,r readers.And readers talk back!

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This year we have a terrific pre-Festival project, a series of warm-up acts. Most are workshops for children and treats for teachers, but Bernard Cornwell is an adventure for everyone.Then, as ever, on I st May, we kick off with Festival fun and the rising sun, at dawn in Lawn Woods on what might otherwise be an ordinary Tuesday but this year gets the full SFL Dawn Chorus treatment: live performance, live music, live magic, live minstrels, li ve dancers, live hot breakfasts, and, we hope, a live, even if only half awake, you! There follow twelve days of earnest exploration and exciting entertainment, cool communication and crazy competition, laudable lectures and dangerous discussion, teasing talks and storywalks, serious stuff and comic guff.We have prize-winning novelists and poets, philosophers, linguists, psychologists, storytellers, educationalists, impressionists, columnists, comics, sailors, and even talking trombones! All in all, something for all, treats for every age and taste: one long celebration of things well written and things well said. Events have been carefully spaced and placed, to enable you to attend almost every event, should you have the stamina! To get the full programme, telephone 530328 or 771080. Or, for the at-a-glance Festival diary, turn over for the literary Link Magazine spread! And then mark your own diary, so that during the first twelve days of May you join us, to discover that fine writing and good talk instructs as it delights and leaves us feeling never quite the same again. Read on, come along, and surprise yourself, in Swindon! MATT HOLLAND

Festival Director

Literature: the stories of life well told...

...but you haven't really read the book till you've seen the author!

Tuesday I May DAWN CHORUS - created by minstrels, musicians, poets, performers, and celebrated by you! Lawn Woods, 5.30am!

The Planks, Old Town, Swindon.Tel: 771080 Free! ROVING WRITER IN RESIDENCE - Crysse Morrison, novelist, poet, playwright, there for you!

I Oam and 2pm Libraries.Tel: (Wroughton) 464496 and (Moredon) 464490. No charge. TONGUE,TONE,TUNE, and TIME - a dig into the past with a thousand years of English verse and music, with Michael Gibson, 1 pm and Colin Hope on harp. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road.Tel: 466556. £4 (£3). HAWK, HIND, and MISTRESS - or, the Cat, the Curse, and the Chastity Belt... an enchanting, erotic, and poignant story from the lips of the seductive storyteller herself, Cat Weatherill! Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road.

Thursday 3 May LIBRARIES FESTIVAL DAY - storytelling with Cat Weatherill, displays, competitions, prizes! West Swindon Library, Link Centre.Tel: 465555 Free! JENNY JOSEPH and DINAH LIVINGSTONE - a poetry reading! Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road.Tel: 466556. £4 (£3). TED WRAGG: CLIVE BRAIN MEMORIAL LECTURE - Satire and Education: can fiction beat the real thing?

1 I a m - 7pm 1 pm

Saturday 5 May THE MOUSE HOLE CAT - by PuppetCraft, based on the award-winning book by Antonia Barber. Illustrations by Nicola Bayley. Published by Walker Books Ltd.Arts Centre, Devizes Road.Tel: 614837. £4.50 (£3.50). 11am and 1.3 I MADE A POEM - make words work and play! with Beverley Millin Arts Centre, Devizes Road.Tel: 614837. £3.1 1.30am and 2pm WRITING SQUADS PRESENT - presentations of poetry, prose, and performance surprises by children from Eldene,Toothill,

Rodbourne Cheney, and Sevenfields primary schools which have been running Literature Festival Writing Squads with Sara-Jane Arbury and Marcus Moore • 12.15pm - 1.15pm • Free entry to this event.Arts Centre, Devizes Road.Tel: 614837. Free! 12.1 5pm

PHILIP PULLMAN - best-selling author and storyteller in conversation, with Sara-Jane Arbury, and with you! 3pm

Arts Centre, Devizes Road.Tel: 614837. £5 (£4).

POEMS AND PINTS - rhyme, rhythm, and refreshment: professional performance poetry, to make you blink, think, and drink, in 8pm a groovy cabaret setting! Town Hall, Regent Circus.Tel: 463210. £5 (£4).

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Bank Holiday Monday 7 May STORYWALK in RAVENSROOST WOODS - trolls, tree spirits, bluebells, music: a talking 2pm to 4pm walk with Gabamouche! Ravensroost Woods, Braydon, Nr Minety.Tel: 771080. £2. CAMPFIRE AND STORYTELLING - round the fire, round the world, under the stars, with Gabamouche Storytellers. 7pm Lower Shaw Farm,West Swindon.Tel: 771080. £3 (£2). THE CEMENT GARDEN - another literary film! a literary film, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg,Andrew Robertson, and Sinead

Wednesday 9 May PAT HUTCHINS - walking and talking with children and chickens! 10am to 12pm Lower Shaw Farm,West Swindon.Tel: 771080. £5 per family. OLIVER JAMES - looking at Britain on the couch, in psychological conversation, with Jill Tomalin, and with you! I pm Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road.Tel: 466556. £4 (£3). THE ART OF LOVING HONOURABLY - a candlelit journey back to the pains and pleasures of forbidden love, seen from a modern perspective! MEN DO NOT GO TO WAR OVER WOMEN - action packed drama! Adapted by Gina Landor from the Troy trilogy by Andrew Rissik, and directed by SladjanaVujovic. 7.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road.Tel: 614837. £6 (£5) Ticket covers the two performances shown above!

Friday I I May SUSIE ORBACH - in conversation, on emotional literacy and other ways forward, with Sheila Pregnall, I pm and with you! Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road.Tel: 466556. £4 (£3). TRACY EDWARDS - mother and sailorwoman extraordinaire, in conversation with Maggie Rankin, and with you! Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road.Tel: 466556. £4 (£3). 5.30pm 7.30pm DAVID CRYSTAL - on life and death of language! Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road.Tel: 466556. £3 (£2). ALISTAIR McGOWAN and LINDA SMITH - wit, wisdom, and a laugh! Arts Centre, Devizes Road.

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Lydiard spring cleans during shut down

Charlie's in town

Sarah Finch-Crisp writes (on 15 March) Lydiard House and the park are us to undertake an intensive pe- with the late Diana, Princess of closed as a necessary precaution riod of cleaning and preparation Wales, married into the St. John against the spread of foot-and- for opening when the all clear family of Lydiard Park in the 18th mouth disease. The comes. Century. The little Blue Dressing park is strangely quiet, Washed, swept, Room in Lydiard House, once her disinfected straw lies polished and buffed private closet, houses newly exacross the entrances the house will be spar- panded displays of her works inand the public are stayeluding jasper plaques, pictures kling for Spring. ing away in a responsiLady Diana Spencer, and Wedgwood china which she ble fashion. Readers Artist and Society Belle designed. A new range of cards might be wondering is a new exhibition for and gifts based on her delightful 2001. Lady Di, an ac- flower paintings will be available whether museum staff complished society in the gift shop. are twiddling their finTo check on our opening times artist who shares a gers - far from it! Closure has enabled common ancestry in April call 770401.

If you can't enjoy the countryside because ," of the restrictions caused by foot and mouth, spend more time in the garden. To give you inspiration, gardening guruess Charlie Dimmock will be visiting Manor Garden Centre on 28 April. She'll be chatting to customers about her TV activities, passing out gardening tips and signing books. There's lots to see and do at Manor Garden Centre. Whilst there visit Paradise Pets and AWBS for landscavinu materials.

AMI SHIPS 2, 2, 3, 4, 5

yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip 2.3 tonne Mini-digger for hire

Freephone 0800 - 387613 Tel: 731610

8am - 8pm

Go green in the garden Do you enjoy gardening and want to help your local environment? asks Maggie McDonald. Now is your chance to combine in the garden, you can make a real both by getting involved in 'Green difference, just by making a few Gardening' — the latest project from small changes. Promotional events will take the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The project aims to involve peo- place in June and the Wildlife Trust pie in composting, encouraging has put together a free action pack wildlife, using peat-free alterna- to encourage you to organise a coftives, and conserving water. By fee morning or picnic, open your adopting this green approach, we garden or arrange an event to excan all enjoy our gardens and make change ideas about green gardena real contribution to the health of ing with your friends, neighbours the environment and ourselves, or local community group. Call 01380 725670 or e-mail: Whether you enjoy flowers, grow your own food or just like relaxing gardens@wiltshirewildlife.org

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN?

A LAWN & HEDGE CUTTING GENERAL GARDEN FENCE STAINING & MAINTENANCE Give your garden a makeover Tel: 01793 873630

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• Locally run family business • Close bo ard/panel or picket fencing & gate, • Repairs & re furbishment • Concrete posts available on panel fencing • Made to measure gates Pressu re injected timber t re atment on • all close board • F ri endly help and advice on all fencing matters Pemhroke Cemre. Chene, Man,rt. Swindon

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GET YOUR GARDEN FIT ^a 0

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q One-off tidy ups & gardening waste cleared away q Fence painting/fencing q Pruning

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• Patio cleaning, grass cutting. gardens tidied up • Drives & patios - slabs, concrete, block paving

• Turfing & grass seeding • Fencing - closeboard, panels etc. • Ponds & pergolas Contact 01793 692687 A6Mobile 07711 253508

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MAINTENANCE n Fencing: Close board/ Panels/Gates Patios, Paths, Turfing Hedging & Mowing

Trained team • Fully insu re d For free quotation Tel: (01793) 526571

1K.com

The Link Magazine • April 2001

SWINDON'S MOST 'j ^1 ^

COMPREHENSIVE

^^ I^

tryy

RANGE OF LANDSCAPIN MATERIALS AT THE MOS

CHARLIE Di ! aMOCk 3f

COMPETITIVE PRICES (WHICH INCLUDE VAT

IBC 'GROUND FORCE' '` HERE 28th April 2001

& DELIVERY) 14 PATIO DISPLAYS WITH STOCK AVAILABLE FROM Atlas • Stonemarket • Lonstone • Bradstone • Forest • Hillkout • Tafs Fencing TopPave • Brett • FormPave • Meadowview Stone & Decking

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itti Pur cO

Flowers year +rer ,,ears

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t?.

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Tel: 01793 484455 Fax: 01793 484499 MANOR GARDEN CENTRE, CHENEY MANOR IND. EST. SWINDON

£2.99

3ROWMOR £1.99

WESTLAND MULTI-PURPOSE

DOFF SLUG

3 kg Bag

PELLETS

_____

£1.99

7n litres

800g

It's Pets' Paradise at Paradise Pets!

H'_

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RABBIT & SMALL ANIMAL HUTCHES BEARDED

TRADITIONAL HUTCHES

IRIS AND DAYLILY COLLECTION

36" £39.00 48" £48.00 DOUBLE DECKERS

36" £65.00 48" £85.00

1 '`

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Wide range of small animal pens

NEW Rabbit Room now open

Create a tropical feel with

",. ,.

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(hardy plPnts

NEW RANGE OF

AVIARY PANELS

i em

KENNELS Large

Wooden kennels from £39.00 to £105.00

TERRIFIC NEW RANGE OF RAT, DEGU, CHINCHILLA AND FERRET CAGES •

T_I 6 x 3 aviary panel £16 00

e also stock most sizes in Bakers, Hills Science Diets, Walcol, Beta, .

Omega, lams, Chudleys,

Many more offers in store While stocks last. From

From Woodhall Park, Havdon Wick &

Taw Hill

North Swindon

6 x 3 door panel £20.00

Plus frozen mammals, e.g. mice & rats

Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon Tel: 01793 512400 Fax: 01793 512444

Closed Easter Sunday

GARDEN

Manor Ma

Pascoes, Eukanuba and Vitalin Locusts, brown & black crickets, wax worms, and giant mealworms available at £1.99 a tub

NIJ..I Oil

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Centre

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01793 538400 From West Swindon

Cheney Che Manor neyate

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Mon-Sat 9 - 6 Sun 10.30 - 4.30 Closed Easter Sunday

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www.swind

The Link Magazine • April 2001

Swindon's carpet

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APPROVED

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cleaning professional is ready to help • Fully trained & insured operators

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* Commercial rates available • Dupont Stainshield Protects against spills and dirt * Deodorising Treatment Leaves carpets & fabric smelling fresh * Professional spotting kits available Stain removal made easy

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WITH THE CLOSURE OF

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Showrooms Nationwide and Growing

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

Minister impressed at a Safer Swindon A partnership between Swindon Council and the Wiltshire Constabulary was given a seal of approval when Home Office minister Paul Boateng officially launched the Safer Swindon Shop at 38 Havelock Street at the end of February.

uklinks4 There are some great resources on the Internet But do you know where they are? We do!

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Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road Swindon SN1 5NS

Paul Boa tenc cuts the ribbon u u ith lrelp from Sonth Swindon MP Julia Drown and shop manager Jean Goncalves, watched by, from left, town centre police sergeant Mark Hurry, WPC Site Randell, Divisional Connuander Ian Maidment, Caroline Painter, Caz Nowell, Miriam Minty, Swindon chief executive Paul Doherty, council leader Site Bates

The shop, funded by a £155,000 grant from the Invest to Save budget, aims to approach crime prevention from a different angle, by giving townspeople a place where they can be put in touch with a range of agencies, gather information about safety issues, and also confidentially pass on concerns about criminal activity in the community.

The minister said he was impressed by the close relationship between the council and the police. " With a nine per cent drop in overall crime, 25%, drop in burglary and against the national trend a ten per cent drop in violent crime, the police are doing an effective job. The Safer Swindon Shop is an investment of tax payers' money to achieve a safer community."

We offer a fast efficient fully computerised legal service for * Employment * Conveyancing * Family Law it Wills & Probate For more information visit our website:

www.crd.org.uk Tel: (01793) 617617 Fax: (01793) 511249

Fam^,lly L^WYEPs

PVCU Conservatories Would like to introduce our new range of , cost cutting standard size conservatories • Installation and building services also available

OR t i Try our competitive Made to Measure service

;:c_

:arm For further

details contact

Classic Windows & Conservatories Ltd Station Road, Minety, Malmesbury, Wilts Tel: 01666 860736 Fax: 01666 860761 Eves & w/ends: Steve 01666 860885 or David 01793 772463

Mansfield Begbie Associates

L L LPW'b 1 'L E rL L L"L L TO XL- L Z L'L . V L" LC'L eLL 'LL L= O (APR 5.8 %) tt 1 /8/03 (variable)

With 13 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, including the new tracker mortgage, you can be assured of excellent service from Mansfield Begbie Associates

For example, £0,000 would cost £229.17 per month interest only (excluding insurance). This is a discount of 0.25% off tracker rate (currently 5.75%) to 31/8/03. No arrangement fee or 'Tie-Ins.' (Maximum loan to value 97%). Rates from 4.49% (APR 4.8%) or 4.99% (APR 5.3%) (subject to 'loan to value') to 30/4/02. Available with special remortgage package (No arrangement or valuation fees; legal fees paid). Maximum available 95% for purchases and remortgages. RE-MORTGAGE SPECIAL A discounted rate of 5.24% (APR 5.5%) for two years. Legal fees paid. Free valuation. No 'Tie-Ins.' (Maximum loan to value: 95%).

100% mortgages now available for first and second time buyers NEGATIVE EQUITY MORTGAGES ALSO AVAILABLE

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a in

You tell us what your requirements are and we will try to provide the arrangements to suit your individual needs

Mansfield Begbie Associates can arrange mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK

For free advice and further information, call us now on

Swindon 772779 e-mail: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk

w v

Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5508399 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker fees of up to 1% on the advance maybe charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period. Rate app/ad is 5.5% (59% APR) to 30/12/02. APR Is variable, Rates may vary. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years of age or over Subject to status. Subject to our current lending criteria. A 0.25% reduction applied to the tracker mortgage rate, currently 5.75 %o. A life assurance policy maybe required. Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both non-smokers, applying for an endowment mortgage of £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 May 2001 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £229.17. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96. Total amount payable £141.394 calculated to include valuation fee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £150,000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable until 30/12/02, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 7b'/, the Society will require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

The Link Magazine • March 2001

www.swindonlink.com

Swindon South Wales NSPCC connection A Welsh rugby international sponsored by Link magazine mortgage advertiser Mansfield Begbie Associates has contributed to a big fundraising effort for the NSPCC in Swansea on 10 Februa ry . Mansfield Begbie partner Mike Rees approached Shane Williams about donating a Neath RFC club shirt to the auction. Not only did he offer an 'All Blacks' shirt, he contributed one of his precious

scarlet international jerseys which

raised £410 at a gala ball auction. "Shane was more than happy to help out," said Mike. "We're really pleased our support has resulted in a large amount being raised for a good cause." Top lot at the auction was a Versace gown donated by Swindon superbabe Melinda Messenger. A total of £40,000 was raised to be spent on children's support activities in the Swansea area.

Shane Williams hands over his Neath shirt to Ann Vosper of the Swansea branch of the NSPCC

Team in West helps youth and community development Swindon Council's Community Education West Area Team, based in the Link Centre, brings together community development, play development and youth workers to respond to local needs, writes Martin Hawes, team manager. -- We work in-----partnership with local people and organisations to support self-help and community action. Martin Hawes, the Area Team Manager, provides overall Some of the West team, from left, Theresa Barclay, support to the Tracy McKeddie, Luke Chambers, Caroline Starling, team and has Lorraine Chambers, Martin Hawes, Yvonne McColl borough-wide responsibility for play provision Project. The youth team - Caroline Starfor 5 to 14 year olds. Community development ling, Luke Chambers, Tracy worker, Pam Pixton, focuses' on McKeddie and Theresa Barclay the support and development of have responsibility for managing community initiatives across all and developing work with young ages including work with parents, people at a neighbourhood level. retired people and disadvantaged This currently takes place at the and excluded groups. Pam also Link Centre, Freshbrook and works closely with Freshbrook Sparcells Community Centres and NeST and West Swindon Family Green-down School. Youth worker 'detached' teams Members of contact young people out on the Greendown streets and will shortly be enhancYouth Club ing this with a new 'mobile' project. Youth AcPlay development worker tion WiltYvonne McColl is concerned to shire under improve the range and quality of 16s five a play opportunities for 5 to 14 year sidefinals in olds by supporting existing play February projects and developing new ones. and repreShe will be coordinating playsented the schemes and mobile play vans county in a South West regional tour- during the summer holidays. nament in March. We're always keen to meet peoThree of the team, from left, Chris ple who want to work with youth. Flanagan, Nigel Baker, Dublin Lewis. If you would like to chat to us Not present, Michael Wootton, Eddie, about our work, please call us on Simon and Luke Powell. 465413.

Bra walker has international hopes Nearly 200 Swindon women and men have signed up with the Swindon Twin Peaks team for the 12 May London Moonwalk in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Bristol Cancer Help Centre. Twin Peaks organiser teams of five to take part Eunice Salmon from Nine in the Badminton HorseElms, right, hopes to go less Trials in September. one step further and has "The teams will be exapplied to walk the Peru.. pected to do everything vian Andes in aid of the horse and rider does Breakthrough and the on a 5 or 9 mile cross counBristol Cancer Help Centry course," said branch tre. She has to raise at least contact Shirley Garman. £3,200 by mid-June if she is ac- "This means climbing over the cepted. jumps and paddling through the Be a horse at Badminton water obstacles." You too can do something very If you could rise to the occasion, unusual. Breakthrough Breast and raise money for an excellent Cancer in Wiltshire is looking for cause, call Shirley on 538475.

^L 'ouch o f 5-lealth Shiiatsu c QeiIL with Mike ,effers Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art, using the power of touch and movement. Reiki is an ancient form of healing that stimulates the body's own natural ability to heal itself. A one hour tailor made treatment can help: back pain, migraines, whiplash injuries, IBS, stress, insomnia and sports injuries.

Qelieve the pressures of life Call now and askme how A T

,, „f

ForATouch of Health call 01793 877634

Get ready for Summer with

Achieve Success Fitness Consultancy & Massage Therapy

Weight loss Personal training

Back pain Muscle tension

Call Dawn Cole BSC (Hons)

ON 01793 430400

Weigh-in

Work-out Dk ,vi MwC

Diet mvl FiMes Clubs

Weigh less

Follow Rosemary's new low-fat eating plan which now includes treats & watch the pounds and inches disappear! • Monday: Noremarsh Junior School, Wootton Bassett. 5.30 & 7pm • Thursday: Saltway School, Middleleaze, 6pm A Wednesday: Greenmeadow Prima ry School, Penn Close, 6 to 7.30pm A Wednesday: Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive, 8 to 9.30pm * Call Dawn on (01793) 782639 A Call Sally on (01793) 731148 Membership fee £6.00 Class fee £4.30 Exercise only £3.30 (no membership)

The Link Magazine • April 2001

Fire station wants help for open day Firefighters at Westlea will be opening their doors on Saturday 19 May to put on free displays, demonstrate rescue techniques, advise visitors how to put out cooker fires, give out fire safety information, recruit retained firefighters, and raise money for the Fire Services Benevolent Fund. They need donations for tombola prizes - bottles, cans, packets of food & drink, as well as disposable plates, cups, cutlery, napkins, gas burners for grills and barbecues would be most appreciated. Offers of food such as burgers, hot dogs, rolls, soft drinks and squash will also be welcome. Call Ian Jury on 487562 if you can help out.

www.swindi

Scoop the poop and bin the bag: how to find a dog bin out West Dog owners across West Swindon can now deposit dog droppings in bright red dog bins located at strategic points on dog walking routes.

Pet personality mixes brawn with agility The Bouvier de Flandres breed of dog is fairly rare in this country and Blue, often seen walking with owner Janet Garrett in Sevenfields and Haydon Wick, has rare qualities of his own. Although weighing in at eight stone, Blue was chosen to demonstrate agility and obedience at the Bouvier de Flandres Club of Great Britain Open Day A in Coventry on 11 February when he performed to Beverley Harris, centre, with fellow Westlea guides who raised £204 last great acclaim. summer to pay for two extra dog bins, holding up The Link dog bin map, from Blue was rescued from a left, Kiah Vaughan, Laura Backwell, Christina Douglas, Cloe Thomas family in Wales who could They were installed at the end of A member of the Canine Deno longer cope with his January for a six month trial cost- fence League has reported that, size. "He was quite obediing £5,000, after Swindon Council amazingly, somebody is still hangent when he came to us in responded to a petition raised by ing plastic bags of dog mess on 1999 and we decided to put bushes close to Westlea School, ten year old Beverley Harris. his brain to work after he The Link has printed maps show- within 20 metres of two bins. He gained the Kennel Club good citi- headed dogs range in colour from fawn to black. And no, they don't ing their location, which are avail- said he is carrying a camera to try zen silver award," said Janet. able at the West Swindon library. and catch the culprit. His skills have been developed come in blue! at the Swindon and District Canine Society Obedience Class at Broad Street Church Hall and then THE DROVE at the Paws for Fun club at Toothill PETS AT HOME VETERINARY Community Centre where Blue has HOSPITAL Worried who will look shown outstanding agility in neafter your pets whilst gotiating hoops and obstacles. "People are surprised and deyou're on holiday? lighted that such a big dog can be Pets At Home For all your pets needs when healthy or III so mobile as well as so obedient," could be your answer Janet added. Opening hours: Unit 5 The breed was originally used Pets At Home is a service Mon - Fri gam - 6.3opm in the Low Countries and North Abbeymeads Village Centre which cares for all your pets Saturday 2pm - 4pm France to drive cattle, using their (except dogs) in their own home Elstree Way Consulting hours: By appointment bulk to force the cows in the right anywhere in the West Swindon Abbeymeads Mon - Fri: 11am -12.30pm, direction. Their bravery and intelarea only. Swindon 2pm - 4pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm ligence was put to good effect in Tel: (01793) 728728 Saturday 2 - 4pm I Telephone Sheila Mitchell World War I when they carried for further details 24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunday and Emergency consults by messages and pulled supply carts. appointment at The Drove Veterinary Hospital Telephone (01793) 522483 on 873062 These shaggy-haired, square-

tbbeymeads Veterinary Surgery

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE C

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 9PY

entf" A friendly, caring service for you and your pet

David Wames BVSc MRCVS • Stefania Glowka DVM MRCVS Michelle Lindsay BVM&S MRCVS

Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm 9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

•

Thmeswood •.

Small Animal Hospital

Helping you care more for your pet Swindon's most modern small animal hospital, situated in North West Swindon, offering high quality surgical and medical care at competitive prices within a caring, friendly and professional environment.

nk.com

The Link Magazine • April 2001

Where you can buy almost anything There's somethng satisfying about a good old fashined hardware shop; with such a wide range of household items on display in one place you often come out with a lot more than you bargained for. One of the best places in Swindon for brushes to pedal bins, clothes pegs to washing up bowls, is Old Town Hardware in Wood Street. There was much disappointment when long standing hardware store Limmex closed down a couple of years ago, but delight when Dan Stabbins opened his new store closeby a few months later. And rightly speaking he adopted the slogan: the new business with the old Limmex reputation. Have a browse in Old Town this month.

Bath Road Corner Old Town. Tel: 534271

STOCKISTS OF ALL LEADING BRANDS SWINDON'S FAMILY SHOE SHOP LEst.

Time slips away amongst the 1000s of books on our shelves

Iy^,^^

An old fashioned bookshop for customers who like things the way they used to be with a standard of service for today. BOOK TOKENS MAKE PERFECT GIFTS

0- 0

^ ►

VICTORIA BOOKSHOP Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon • Tel: (01793) 527364

OLD TOWN HARDWARE THE NEW BUSINESS WITH THE OLD LIMMEX REPUTATION 14 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon Tel: (01793) 433331

WE'RE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK! Home

Co-ordinates

___

Bedroom Showroom

Parker Knoll STRONGBOW

YOUR OLD SUITE & BED DISPOSED OF

OCCASIONAL FURNITURE FIRESIDE CHAIRS

Spillers Furnishings & Bed Centre ESTABLISHED 1843 • SERVING SWINDON FOR OVER 150 YEARS

'— ANTIO JE$ &AIL PENS The traditional bed specialist In wood, brass, cast and forged metal. To complement our bed selection we stock a full range of pine furniture. ii I Linen, old lace and costume jewellery. See our new range of reclaimed carved pine. 11 Newport Street, Old Town, Swindon • Tel: 01793 520259 Est 1978, in Newport Street since 1982

SERVICE

ACCOUNTANCY

`GRA'

Short & long term assistance and projects Free initial meeting Tel/fax: 01793 871790 Free phone: 0800 5422 778 www.graaccountancy.co.uk

I BUILDING SERVICES

Tnx Ass,,, Diaecr

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers

Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business

Traditional carpentry & building services Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs, doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works undertaken Free, no obligation quotations Call 01793 644313 or 0468 271994

BUILDING SERVICES

GRAFT iExtensions, repairs V alterations and maintenance Blockpaving, patios & driveways Drain clearance & repairs Garden construction & design Fencing, turfing, ponds/water features & regular garden maintenance We offer a complete building service for your home and garden For good quality with efficient service and competitive prices call 01793 485539/07811 698457

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE c

/ics

^Gmost1C

COMPLETE HOUSE MAINTENANCE •

•

House cleaning: hoovering, dusting, window cleaning Gardening services: lawns cut, hedges tri mmed, general up-keep

Building services: house painting, extensions, patios laid, wood verandas built, garden lighting installed, roof repairs, plumbing, electrical

Tel: Swindon 771549 • Mobile: 0794 9778735

Shaw Electrical & Plumbing Ltd Domestic, commercial &

industrial installations Maintenance & repairs * lighting at rewiring * security lighting * garden electrics * heating * bathroom installation

Tel: (01793) 874480 Mob: 07860 760364 w in EIn National Inspection Counci for Electrical Installation Contracting

• Most leading brands

Washing Machines Twin Tubs, etc. Member of Tumble Driers I. S.E. Food Waste Disposal Units Service Spares Repairs

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empire Domestic & Commercial Contractors THE COMPLETE DESIGN BUILD & MAINTENANCE SERVICE Complete refurbishments • New build • Garage & loft conversions Extensions • Property renovations • painting & decorating Tiling • Carpentry • Electrics • Plumbing All work guaranteed • Work carried out by qualified tradesmen

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DECORATOR

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• Professional painting & decorating services • Interior and exterior • Domestic & commercial • Specialist finishes • Free estimates

A quality finish at

Tel: 01793-874139 Mobile: 07780 793253 e- m ail: pau l e xton@lineone.net

GA RDEN SERVICES

LPG & Natural Gas Services e ARE • Boilers • Fires & fire places Dennis Brown • Cookers Gas Engineer • Boiler changes 29 Meares Drive • Also riverboat Shaw, Swindon appliances, Tel: 01793 874742 installation & Mobile: 0468 027860 servicing Sponsor to Wroughron Shotokan Karate Club

A SUDS

reasonable rates

Fully trained staff to carry out all works Over 30 years experience, references available

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

Same day, local service wherever possible

For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000

Hall & Son Ltd A reputation built on quality

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

TAO

ACCOUNTANCY • Business Start Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts • Self Assessment Tax

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• Aga, Rayburn specialist

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Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0790 0216618 Interior & exterior painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small. Free estimates and friendly service

HEATING & PLUMBING

ROB HALL

Hedge trimming

HEATING, GAS &

• Regular, occasional or one-off

PLUMBING SERVICES

• Long grass no problem • Garden vac, leaves etc Clean, tidy work • Sensible prices Odd jobs, fencing etc Friendly, 7 day service

Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All areas of plumbing

Chris Reed Swindon 538839

Tel: 07989 950070 or 01793 339546 Reg:187606

SECTOR APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Hillside O

Repairs to most makes of: 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Dishwashers 3 Microwaves i 3 Vacuum Cleaners s

John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed

BUSINESS SERVICES Your very own 1

We I e from only L 199 including VAT Call (01793) 825682 E-mail: info@indigosolutions.co.uk Website: www.indigosolutions.co.uk

DECORATOR

Highly experienced painter and decorator All interior and exterior work undertaken

For free estimates call Paul on

Building

Industrial, Commercial, Refurbishment & Domestic

Services Extensions, loft conversions Specialists in all types of building & plastering All work fully insured Contact Dave on 01793 488470

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES

empire

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Palm Joinery Quality carpentry & joinery for the home/office * Doors, internal & external * Kitchens * Ski rt ings & mouldings * Fitted and free-standing wardrobes, bureaus etc * Manufacture & fitting * Supply & fi t/fit only

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ELEC TRIC AL SERVICE S a€ Seu^lce4

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Electrical Engineers & Contractors

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE

• Electric showers fitted from £260 + VAT

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we

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•

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SU NBED HIRE Deb's Sunbeds

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offer an efficient & personal service.

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UPVC CLADDING PAUL DRAPER

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

www.swir

use Cleaners Wanted

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I L1L L For Sale

QII LL For Sale

For Sale

Tandem pushchair, £30. Tel: 638551 Bebecar pram /pushchair navy/white, incs cosytoes, excel cond, £130 ono. Tel: 706765 Buggy/pushchair liners, padded white with coloured stripes and frill, excellent condition, £6 each. Tel: 534426 Jeenay car seat, 9mths-1 1 yrs, converts to booster seat, washable covers, as new, £12. Tel: 534426 Maclaren rocker/car seat, good condition 0-9mths. £8. Steam sterilizer, £4. Tomy baby monitor, £6. Tel: 637126 Mothercare pram/pushchair, blue incl. cosytoes, rainguard and sun canopy, excel cond, £50 ono. Skanda Sol sunbed. £20. TeL: 724148 Mothercare pram/pushchair navy & green tartan, cosy toes, sun canopy, raincover. £40. Free standing baby bouncer, £10. Beatrix Potter musical mobile, £10. Tel: 529476 Maternity clothes, size 14, mostly Next, dresses, tops, trousers, ideal for under 5ft 3in, some items never worn, offers? Tel: 513704 Tomy intercity train set, 3yrs+, £15. Judo suit age 5-7yrs, £7, excel cond. Tel: 879414 ELC toybox design cot quilt, £15. Matching curtains, £15. Mothercare pine highchair, £12. Tel: 705735 Trax Gym membership to Sept 2002, gives unlimited use of gym/fitness classes, £175 ono. Tel: 886394 Brownie uniform, sweatshirt, T shirt, cullottes, size 26" - 30", excel cond, £12. Tel: 484423 Wedding dress, pale pink, off shoulder, lace collar, puff sleeves, veil, gd cond, £75. Tel: 881353 r

Pronuptia cream, raw silk bridesmaid dress, age 2, £30. Tel: 705735 Wedding dress, size 12, designer, full train, beaded bodice, £1,200 new, £300 ono. Double buggy, £20. Mamas & Papas pram, gd cond, £50. Tel: 876596 Kitchen top, brand new, w: 24,1:120", d: 1.5", £40. Tel: 872627 Single bed, as new, 2 drawer, incdralon headboard, excel cond, cost £300, accept £150. Tel: 870506 Sofabed, 2 seats, good condition, £20 ono. Tel: 873027 Bedroom furniture, pale pine effect, suit child: cabin bed, drawers, bookcase, wardrobe, £70 or will separate. Tel: 534426 Sofas, two 2-seaters and 1-seater dark blue. vgc. £100 ono. Tel: 07788 963698 Two single beds, pine, good condition, £20 each ono. Tel: 345188 Pine single bed with solid head and foot boards, good condition, £25. No mattress. Tel: 886334 Pink headboard, kingsize, 5 ft, new, £20. Clothes airer, new, bought in Argos. £16.99, sell £8. Tel: 706403 Black cane furniture, 2 seater settee, 2 armchairs, floral cushions, vgc, £180 ovno. Tel: 524651 Futon, black/white cover, £70. Dining table, black ash with extension, £40. Large bean bag, £30. Tel: 495540 Fridge, as new, Bosch glass shelves, fits under worktop, paid £320 sell for £99. Tel: 727292 Adams style fire surround, light oak effect, as new. £50 for quick sale. Tel: 348413 Telephone, Bakerlite 1940s looks like new, converted for modern socket, £80, no offers. Tel: 728206 ------------------- 1

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads Send to address on page 4 by 12th of the month

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication) I

Good Rates, Friendly, Reliable Service

Cleaning and ironing in local private houses in Swindon Daytime hours to suit

for further information

DECOTEX

Mobile Hairdresser

L-------------------I

CallAngela on

01793 886023 fo r an appointment

Liters to rk Lutk

Large gas heater, portable, with bottle. as new. £50. Tel: 343756 Send letters to the address on Mobile phone, one2one, Sim card, page 4 by 12th of the month with £15 on it,charger, blue, £50. Matsui microwave, £40. Tel: 881707 Smoking in the restaurant at Drumkit, performance and practice 5- Sainsbury's Bridgemead piece set. Good condition. Ideal for From Elizabeth Perry, Grange Park beginner, £200 ono. Tel: 347609 Nintendo 64 one controller, 4 games: I would like to say 'well done' to Banjo-Kazo, Zelda, V Rally, Pilot Wings, Stephen Walker for his efforts in trying to do something about the boxed. vgc, £55. Tel: 882868 PC Software unwanted by Mac user, situation. all shrink wrapped: PhotoStudio (speAs a customer at Sainsbury's I cial effect & image manipulation; Pano- wasn't asked whether I would like rama Maker (stitch together photos); the coffee shop to allow smoking. Photo Montage (posters made from micro images); Photo Fantasy (fantasy Had I been asked my reply would photo templates); Media browser & have been an emphatic 'no.' I find a smoky atmosphere afPhoto Relay (image manager); Photo Printer Pro (templates, frames, borders, fects my health as I am asthmatic. collages); £15 each. Tel: 872282 (day) Even if a section of the room is Qualcast System 300 lawn mower/ designated a smoking section, lawn raker, gd cond, £45. Tel: 872027 there is nothing to stop the smoke Rabbit hutch 'new' 4ft long, extra run from drifting. As the smell lingers underneath, hand made, w/proof, 4 on clothes for sometime after leavdoors, £40. Tel: 724512 ing the smoky zone, I often wonRabbit hutch, good cond, 4ft long, der how long it stays in my lungs. hand made, £20. Tel: 876384 Most places and companies now Fishtank. I: 50cm; w: 25cm; h: 30cm; with lid: 37cm, many accessories, 6 have a ban on smoking in commumonths old, £60. Fishtank, I: 25cm; w: nal areas. Sainsbury's seems to be 32.5cm; h: 30.5cm; with lid & base: going against the general trend of 43cm, used once, £20. Tel: 879147 looking at what the public wants. I (after 8pm) feel sorry for the staff who have to Budgie cage with stand, good condi- work in that atmosphere all day. ti on. £10. Tel: 692975 In these times of people having Bulldog 200 stabiliser, £30. Aquaroll a greater awareness and underwater carrier. £20. Tel: 724544 standing of their physical well-beMobility scooter, Shoprider Sovereign, ing, surely a simple ban on smokvgc, easy to operate, can deliver, ing in public places would be welcharger and basket. Tel: 729394 comed. Honda CR -V spare tyre cover, fits 205/ R15 wheels, grey solid, no motif, £30. Tel: 726906 Competition Fiat Punto 60S, P reg (96), 5 door, blue, 24,000 mis, excel cond, £3,200. winners Tel: 872282 (day) Bob The Builder CD

Wanted Model railways, Hornby, Triang, Lima, etc. also N gauge train sets. Tel: 615918 Garden rotavator, at least Shp, or able to cope with uncultivated ground. Tel: 771614 Small wood-burner, bricklined, suitable for old caravan, will remove, cheap please. Tel: 771614

Alana Kahan, Brooklands Avenue, Rodbourne Green; Jamie Matthews, Harlestone Road, Coleview; Andrew Cavill, Tees Close, Greenmeadow A pair of tickets to Phantom of the Opera at the Wyvern Theatre

Jill Ryan Browne, Ashford Road, Old Town

.com

The Link Magazine • April 2001

Stamping out racism in schools

Protecting children from abuse

New guidelines to promote racial equality in schools have been issued by Swindon Council and were discussed at a conference at the beginning of March. The new Guide to Promoting Ra- "unless schools mainstream race cial Equality in Swindon Schools was equality and ensure all students produced as a result of the have the opportunity to learn and Macpherson Report's recommen- fulfil their aspirations, they will dation that LEAs have a duty to not meet their duties." create and implement strategies in Swindon Director of Education their schools to prevent and ad- Mike Lusty said, "this document dress racism. The guide stresses provides the background for teachthe importance of defining a racist ers in schools which should help incident as 'any incident which is turn the rhetoric of equality of opperceived to be racist by the victim portunities into reality. It is a maor any other person.' jor contribution to what we are Jaginder Bassi, Director of Swin- seeking to do in education in Swindon Racial Equality Council said, don."

The problem of child prostitution in Swindon is being targeted by child welfare agencies who have launched an information leaflet, called Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation. The guide encourages parents and people working with children to look out for signs 'that a child is being drawn into prostitution and act at the earliest opportunity. Cases of child prostitution are jointly investigated by Police and Social Services who take the approach that the children are the victims of sexual abuse and that the adults abusing them should be held responsible. They currently have concerns for the safety of over 30 young people in the town. •" Contact details for support agencies are listed in the leaflet which is available from libraries and doctors surgeries.

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Swindon Police child protection officer Jackie Barstow with the leaflet

Well Woman news update The future is looking healthier for the Well Woman Centre following a successful fund raising campaign. Based at the Health Hydro in Milton Road the centre offers a variety of services for women. The next menopause support Medical sessions for women: group meeting takes place on • Mondays, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Wednesday 18 April, 5.30 to (including family planning) 7.30pm with a question and an- • Wednesdays,12.30pm to 2.30pm Sharing views about race issues. Afew who attended the conference, from left, swer session. In May, guest speaker (free creche available). David Messenger, head of Windmill Hill primary; multi-cultural education, Helen Schofield will give a talk advisor Daphne Knock; Freshbrook School governor Phil Rashid; Ian Bennett, entitled 'Dispelling the myths: a Staff and volunteers are happy head of strategic services at Swindon Council's education department; Sheila healthy menopause'. to visit community groups to talk Parsons, national network coordinator for Community Services in Education The centre still needs volunteers about the work of the Well Woman Education for Citizanship; Jaginder Bassi, director of the Swindon Racial for its listening service and to help Centre. For details about any of Equality Council; Erica Holley, assistant headteacher at Greendown School out on Monday evenings. the above call 511064.

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J.F.K BUILDING SERVICES 2

• from fencing to Extensions • H(l building works unde rtaken • large portfolio to uiew

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The Link Magazine • April 2001

www.swin

D & L Blinds

Who are you blaming?

Rollers • Verticals • Venetians

Rev Andrew Hethrington, team leader of the combined churches team in West Swindon, wrote on this very page five years ago of the Dunblane tragedy where sixteen primary school children and their teacher had been mown down a few weeks before. Before coming to Swindon he was a vicar in Liverpool at the time of the Hillsborough football stadium disaster in 1989 and Jamie Bulger was murdered in his parish in 1993. We've asked him to reflect on the message of Easter in the light of comments by Richard Taylor, father of Damiola, the teenager murdered in South London last year, that there should be a moral regeneration in Britain.

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BC The person who changed AD Histo ry is changing peoples lives Today

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velost count of the number of chil dren who have died recently because of abusive treatment by those supposed to be caring for them. Each time it happens there is an outcry and those in authority make promises about it not happening again. There is an apportioning of blame, with the hapless social workers bearing the brunt of the criticism. Of course, these situations are not the only ones where people get blamed. It could be a rail crash, a car accident, a failure to score a goal, a child's poor performance at school. I am so glad for the celebration of Easter. Not because of chocolate eggs, or even new life, but because the original events of Good Friday take seriously what is wrong with human nature, includ-

ing me! It's the bad part of me that baffles me, not the good bit! Blaming others is just another way of not owning up to my responsibility for what's wrong. When Jesus died by crucifixion on Good Friday, he made it possible for me to acknowledge when I'm to blame, because he offered forgiveness. It is only when I know I can be forgiven that I can truly face the bad parts of me. It is God who invented forgiveness and far from being a terrifying experience, it is wonderful! It's a way of living worth exploring and you can do that at one of the local churches. You can begin to understand why it is 'Good' Friday, even when Jesus is abused and killed!

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building with people Come and join us Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm For fu rt her information of other meetings ring: 873050, call into the Church office or visit www.freshbrook.org Jesus said: "1 have come that YOU might have LIFE and have it in its fulness"

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH SUNDAYS 10.30AM THE WINNERS LOUNGE SWINDON TOWN F.C. PINEHURST PEOPLE'S NOW... WE ARE BACK ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH AT LINK CENTRE

For more information, inclu. midweek activities, call B ri an on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

Great raffles prizes at firefighters fund raising event Fire fighters from Group 2 at Westlea station will be visiting the West Swindon Centre on 14 April to raise money for the Fire Services Benevolent Fund and also to send their colleague to China in June. They willbe selling rafday sponsored Firefight- got some great raffle prizes on offle tickets from 11am ers Trek in China from 16 fer, including a£300 mountainbike to 4pm, and from midJune to raise money for sponsored by Mitchell Cycles, tickday to 2pm, you can the fund. The route will ets to see Five at the Party in the see them have their follow remote remains of Park in August with an after-conrte. ! the Great Wall, taking cert party with some of the stars." hair bleached by hair If you cannot be at the West stylists from Partners them up mountains and Salon. down steep sided valleys. Swindon Centre on 14 April, tickFirefighter Sean "Please come down and ets will be on sale at the station Dunham, right, will be help our fundraising ef- open day, see page 40, or call taking part inaan eight fort," said Shaun. "We've Westlea Fire Station on 487562.

Family church returns to the West It's no joke, honestly, say members of the Swindon Family Church, as they prepares to return to the Link Centre on 1 April for a se rv ice on the first Sunday of each month. The church started life in Swindon at the Link over eight years ago, but two years ago moved to a more central base in the Winners Lounge at Swindon Town FC to cater for the growing congregation. Initially thirty adults and children will come together, led by Mark Thornett who lives in Freshbrook. "It a real privilege to be involved in bringing our local home groups together to meet back at Link Centre. We look forward to adding something good, along with many others, to the growing community life in West Swindon. Do join us."

Greenmeadow Prima ry School ]I

We are here!

Croquet for Prospect Swindon Croquet Club is raising funds for the Prospect Hospice at a taster session on Sunday 29 April, 10.30am onwards at Moredon Sports Centre, Akers Way. All equipment will be provided except flat shoes. Just turn up and try. The club is keen to enrol new members. Tuesday evening coaching for beginners starts on 8 May. For details call John Airey on 873026.

OCAL CHURCHES -1 All Saints Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw - 10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington: 770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre)

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St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - NEW TIME 1 O:OOant

North Swindon aptist Church

Sunday Worship 10.30am - Sunday School & Creche -

Web: h tt p://nsbc.org.uk

Pastor Dennis Weaver

TEL: (01793) 345051

Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244

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Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish)

Westlea Church — 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417

(this Church meets in Westlea School Hall. Langstone Way)

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The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church

FREE Kiddy Carts for you to use when shopping in The Brunel Centre to keep your child entertained during your visit. Spend E20 this Easter in The Brunel Centre and you could win the holiday of a lifetime to Australia. For further information on our Easter competition and opening hours visit our website at www.brunelcentre.co.uk . Alternatively see in Centre for details. Competition runs between 7th and 22nd April 2001.

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